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"Jesuit" is an epithet that has been applied (and not always favorably) to members of the Society of Jesus (also known as Societas
Iesu, S. J., SJ, or SI). Wikipedia
tells us that this society is "a Christian male religious order of the Roman Catholic Church."
Jesuits have also been sometimes referred to as "God's Marines" - partially because of the military background of their founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
After being injured in battle, Saint Ignatius experienced a religious conversion. He then put forth an "original vision" for a "new
order." This vision was expressed within his Formula of the Institute of
the Society of Jesus, and began with these now-famous words:
Whoever desires to serve as a soldier
of God beneath the banner of the Cross in our
Society, which we desire to be designated by the name
of Jesus, and to serve the
Lord alone and the
Church, his spouse, under the Roman Pontiff, the
Vicar of Christ on earth, should, after a solemn vow of
perpetual chastity, poverty and obedience, keep
what follows in mind.
"What follows" includes these practices: promoting the Word of God through public preaching, lectures,
retreats, education of children and "unlettered persons in Christianity" – plus "the spiritual consolation
of
Christ's faithful" by hearing confessions,
administering sacraments, reconciling the estranged, compassionately
serving those in hospitals and prisons, and performing other works of charity for "the glory of God and the
common good."
Looking back at the life of Pope Francis, many of these Jesuit influences can be found. His personal emphasis upon education – both as a student and a teacher, plus his relatively simple and service-oriented lifestyle, have helped to forge him into one of God's soldiers.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Jesus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis
Copyright March 24, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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