The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) is a Roman Catholic order of priests and brothers founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius Loyola.
In the vision of their founder, they seek to "find God in all things," dedicate themselves to the “greater glory of God" and the good of all humanity. They do this in collaboration with others who share their values, including laypersons, who have become part of the extended Jesuit family.
With close to 17,000 priests and brothers worldwide, the Jesuits are the largest male religious order in the Catholic Church. They have many roles in Church and society. In varied ministries, they care for the whole person: body, mind, and soul. Especially in their education ministries, they seek to nurture "men and women for others."
Jesuits draw on the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality and reflection. They offer resources to all who want to discern God’s presence in their lives. At the same time, they also aim to be “contemplatives in action,” people who bring this spirituality into the everyday world.
Their collaboration with the laity flows from their personal relationships with Christ. They see themselves as companions of Jesus, and they invite others to join with them, as friends in the Lord.to build up the body of Christ.
With their friends and partners, they also reach out to a broadly diverse world because that is where they find God. From experience and reflection, they know that meaning, value and divine purpose can be discovered "in all things."