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The Jesuit
Tradition
 The
Society of Jesus was founded by the Spaniard Inigo
Lopez de Loyola (Ignatius of
Loyola) in 1534. (click for larger picture)
The new religious order was formally approved in 1540
by Pope Paul III.
 The Jesuits quickly made education one of their special
ministries. During St. Ignatius' lifetime (1491-1556),
colleges were opened in several countries, including
Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Shortly after Ignatius'
death, a number of additional schools were begun in
Germany, Bohemia, and the Lowlands.
(click for larger picture)
Since the beginning, theology has occupied a central
place in the life of Jesuit colleges and universities.
The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus from 1548
state:
 "Since
the end of the Society and its studies is to aid our
fellowmen to the knowledge and love of
God and to the salvation of their souls, and since
the subject of theology is the means most suited to
this end, in the universities of the Society the principal
emphasis ought to be placed upon it. Accordingly, there
should be diligent treatment by excellent professors
of what pertains to scholastic doctrine and Sacred
Scripture, as also to that part of positive theology
which is conducive to the aforementioned end." (click
for larger picture)
As Jesuit higher education has developed over the
centuries, the Society has continued to maintain both
the nature of their educational institutions as universities
and the character of these universities as Jesuit.
 Periodically,
the worldwide Society of Jesus meets to discuss matters
of importance, such as the election
of a new superior general. These international meetings
are called General Congregations. At the 34th General
Congregation (1995) , the Jesuits said this about their
university ministry in Decree Seventeen (Jesuits and
University Life): (click for larger picture)
"As we look to the future,
we need consciously to be on guard that both the
noun 'university' and the adjective
'Jesuit' always remain fully honored.
409 6. "The noun guarantees
a commitment to the fundamental autonomy, integrity,
and honesty of a university
precisely as a university: a place of serene and open
search for and discussion of the truth. It also points
to the mission proper to every university: its dedication
to research, teaching, and the various forms of service
that correspond to its cultural mission as the indispensable
horizon and context for a genuine preservation, renewal,
and communication of knowledge and human values. As
Jesuits, we seek knowledge for its own sake and at
the same time must regularly ask, 'Knowledge for what?'"
The department of theology is committed to this Jesuit
vision of the University. This vision is reflected
in Xavier University's Vision and Mission Statement
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