The Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) is a Religious Order within the Catholic Church. Founded in 1540 by St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and nine companions, Jesuits live a life of prayer and work in a wide range of ministries in most places around the world. Jesuits usually live in community. There are two Jesuit communities in Scotland - in Glasgow and in Edinburgh.
The Society of Jesus currently has 13,000 members, most of whom are priests or training to be priests. In common with other members of Religious Orders, Jesuits take life-long vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Jesuits also take a special vow of obedience to the Pope, making themselves available for mission anywhere at any time.
Jesuit ministry is greatly varied and includes research and academic work in a wide range of fields, teaching and chaplaincy in schools and universities, spirituality and retreat-giving, professional work in medicine and law, advocacy and activism for peace and social justice, and pastoral work in parishes, prisons, missions and on the streets.
The works associated with the Society of Jesus in Scotland are the parishes of St Aloysius Garnethill in Glasgow and Sacred Heart Lauriston in Edinburgh; the Ignatian Spirituality Centre; the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre; and St Aloysius College.