THE SOCIETY OF JESUS
The Society of Jesus is a Religious Order of priests and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church. Founded by St. Ignatius and his first Companions in 1540, it has as its aim the propagation and the defense of the Christian Faith. The first Jesuits felt called to follow the evangelical counsels as closely as they could, and also to reach out to others in their needs, whether spiritual, intellectual, social or physical. They taught catechism to children and the unlearned; they nursed the sick; they preached the faith and guided people in prayer; they started educational institutions; and some went to non-Christian peoples to preach the Gospel to them. Since 1540, Jesuits have worked in many countries of the world at the service of the Church, missioned by the Pope. The Society of Jesus has established universities, scientific observatories, colleges and schools, besides having members working in the various types of Church institutions.
Today there are about 21,000 Jesuit priests and brothers working in 80 Provinces, continuing the mission of Ignatius and his companions. The Eastern Africa Province was started as an Independent Region in 1976, comprising of Jesuits working in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. In 1986, it was made a full-fledged Province. There are over 150 ascribed members in the Province; and about 100 Jesuits from other Provinces residing in it as collaborators in the different apostolates, or for academic purposes.
For more information, contact: [email protected]