JESUITS

JESUITS
   the name given in 1540 to the SOCIETY OF JESUS a brotherhood founded six years earlier by Ignatius LOYOLA. During the period 1540-1555 it grew rapidly, acquiring an autocratic structure provided by Loyola's military training and discipline which he promoted in his Spiritual Exercises (1548). They established MISSIONS, orphanages, houses for reclaiming prostitutes, schools, centers of poor relief, and even a system of banking for destitute peasants. Francis XAVIER is perhaps the most famous Jesuit missionary. By the time of Loyola's death in 1556, the Society was one thousand strong with its influence being felt more acutely among the aristocracy than the poor. Through the establishment of Colleges in university settings, the Society became a teaching Order and a leader in CATHOLIC higher education. The Jesuits strongly supported the POPE at the COUNCIL of TRENT and found themselves spearheading the intellectual attack on the REFORMATION by becoming the foremost Roman Catholic APOLOGISTS. Today they are still a powerful force in education and run numerous universities including the Gregorian University in Rome.

Concise dictionary of Religion. 2012.

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  • jesuits' — ; Jesuits ; …   English syllables

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  • Jesuits —    The first missionaries of the order, Lalemant, Masse, and Brébeuf, arrived in Canada in 1625. Work among the Algonquians began that year; and among the Hurons in 1626. The mission to the Iroquois dates from 1642. With the Iroquois mission are… …   The makers of Canada

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  • Jesuits, History of the \(1773-1814\) — • The execution of the Brief of Suppression having been largely left to local bishops, there was room for a good deal of variety in the treatment the Jesuits might receive in different places Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006 …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Jesuits, The — • Comprehensive information about the past of the Jesuit order Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006 …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Jesuits, History of the \(pre-1750\) — • Includes details of activities in various countries Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006 …   Catholic encyclopedia

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