Jesuits all over the world are today marking the 484th anniversary of the establishment of the Congregation of the Society of Jesus.
The 27th of September each year commemorates the pivotal moment in 1540 when Pope Paul III officially approved the Jesuit order.
This landmark event was the culmination of nearly three months of discernment among St. Ignatius of Loyola and his nine companions, who sought to transform their burgeoning friendship into a formal religious community dedicated to service and education.
The genesis of this momentous occasion took place at the University of Paris, where Ignatius and his friends, united by a shared vision yet diverse in their backgrounds, grappled with the nature of their bond. They sought clarity on whether to establish a formal religious order or pursue a less structured union.
Their discussions, meticulously documented in “The Deliberation of the First Fathers,” have since served as a guiding framework for decision-making within Jesuit schools and institutions worldwide.
As the group navigated their shared mission, they unanimously resolved to deepen their connection, choosing to take vows of obedience that would bind them more closely than mere friendship. This decision, reached after extensive prayer and reflection, not only solidified their commitment to one another but also affirmed their desire to serve God and humanity collectively.
In celebrating this anniversary, Jesuits around the globe reflect on the relevance of that initial discernment in today’s context. “The grace of that discernment can still be felt in our communities,” said Fr. José de Nájera, a Jesuit leader. “We are reminded to cherish the extraordinary friendships we build, to harness the power of collaboration, and to reaffirm our commitment to our mission, even when it challenges our personal views.”
The legacy of St. Ignatius and the Society of Jesus remains as vital today as it was over four centuries ago, inspiring new generations to engage in meaningful discernment and service to others.
