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.

Jesuit buildings

Many buildings and ruins give witness to the order's construction activity world-wide. Among these are:

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• Ruins of Saint Paul's Cathedral in Macau
• Ruins of San Ignacio Church in the Philippines
• Basilica of Bom Jesus near Panaji, Goa in India
• Church of the Gesu in Rome, Italy
• Ateneo de Manila University Church of the Gesu in the Philippines
• La Santisima Trinidad de Parana in Paraguay

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