The Society of Jesus

The Society of Jesus is a Christian religious order that follows the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. The members of the Society are popularly known as the Jesuits. The Society is headquartered in Rome. Presently, Fr. Adolfo Nicholas, S.J., is its Superior General.

The Jesuits are primarily known for their work in education (like founding schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries), intellectual research, and cultural pursuits, and for their missionary efforts in human rights and social justice. They are one of the largest educational bodies in the world. From their humble beginnings in Europe in 1540, they have etched their presence in 112 nations on six continents today. Today, perhaps the best-known education in India is being imparted by the Jesuits. More than 250,000 students belonging to every religious, linguistic, and socio-economic group receive their education in Jesuit educational institutions all across the country.

The first Jesuits made their mark as preachers, convent reformers, and missionaries, but in 1548 the Jesuits opened their first college intended for lay students at Messina in Sicily. It was an instant success, and petitions for more Jesuit colleges flowed into Rome from most of the cities of Catholic Europe. Quickly, education became the main Jesuit ministry. By 1579, the Jesuits were operating 144 colleges (most admitted students between twelve and twenty) in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. By 1749, the Jesuits were staffing 669 colleges and 235 seminaries worldwide.