The Society of Jesus is a religious order of priests and brothers founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and some companions in 1540. The Jesuit mission is the service of the faith and the promotion of justice in dialogue with religions and cultures, a mission of reconciliation, working so that women and men can be reconciled with God, with themselves, with each other and with God’s creation.

It all started with a Basque nobleman, Ignatius of Loyola. After a battle injury, he experienced a profound religious conversion and dedicated himself to God’s service. When studying in Paris, he gathered a group of friends and this first community of “friends in the Lord” wanted to serve God wherever the need was greatest. They put themselves at the service of the Pope, vowing to obey him as regards any special mission he might give them. Soon, the Jesuits spread throughout the world.

The Ignatian worldview includes these core values:

The history of the Society is a rich tapestry of people. Some were famous and became saints. Others are unknown. All wanted to find and serve God as contemplatives in action at the frontiers of the world. Jesuits have been engaged in ministries as diverse as spiritual direction, education, the care of refugees, outreach to the homeless, theological and philosophical enquiry.

Our mission is to help people find God – the service of faith. And to witness to that same God, by reaching out to those most neglected by our societies, the little ones about whom He cares profoundly. We work in partnership with lay people as well as with other religious and priests who share the same sense of mission. In all our ministries we care for the person as a whole - mind and heart, body and soul.