Society of Jesus

The Society of Jesus (Societas Iesu/Jesu (S.J.) in Latin) is a Christian religious order of the Roman Catholic Church in direct service to the Pope. Its members, known as Jesuits since the Protestant Reformation, have been called "Footsoldiers of the Pope" in part because the Society's founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, was a Basque nobleman and soldier before his conversion. Today, Jesuits number over 20,000 and comprise the largest religious order in the Catholic Church. Jesuit priests and brothers are engaged in ministries in 112 nations on six continents. Their work is focused on education and intellectual contributions, primarily at colleges and universities.

Related Topics:
Latin - Christian - Religious order - Roman Catholic Church - Pope - Protestant Reformation - Saint - Ignatius of Loyola - Basque - Nobleman - Soldier - Conversion - Priests - Brothers - Ministries - Education - Intellectual - Colleges - Universities

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The Society of Jesus is consecrated under the patronage of Madonna Della Strada, a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary meaning Our Lady of the Way. The Way was what early Christians called their community in Jerusalem and surrounding Palestine. The Society is led by Peter Hans Kolvenbach, Superior General, based in the Church of the Name of Jesus in Rome.

Related Topics:
Patronage - Madonna Della Strada - Blessed Virgin Mary - Jerusalem - Palestine - Peter Hans Kolvenbach - Superior General - Church of the Name of Jesus - Rome

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