What is a jesuit?

A Jesuit is a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order of the Catholic Church founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. The Society of Jesus is a male religious congregation known for its missionary, educational, and charitable works. Jesuits are known for their commitment to Catholicism, social justice, and education. They are often associated with higher education, and many prestigious universities and colleges were founded by Jesuits, such as Georgetown University and Boston College.

Jesuits take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and they are known for their intellectual rigor, spiritual discipline, and missionary zeal. They are involved in a wide range of apostolates, including education, missionary work, and social justice advocacy.

The Jesuit motto is "Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam" or "For the Greater Glory of God." Jesuits are known for their emphasis on discernment, spirituality, and service to others. They are often involved in interfaith dialogue, ecumenism, and social justice initiatives.

Some notable Jesuits include Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, and Pedro Arrupe. Today, there are over 17,000 Jesuits worldwide, working in over 70 countries.

If you're interested in learning more about Jesuits and their mission, I recommend checking out the Jesuit-curated book "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything" by James Martin, SJ. This book provides an accessible and engaging introduction to Jesuit spirituality and philosophy.