Jesuits in Britain

The Jesuits, also known as the Society of Jesus, are an international religious order of men within the Catholic Church. Jesuits take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and live together in community. Their mission is to help souls through the service of faith and promotion of social justice, guided by these priorities: • Walking with those facing poverty, discrimination, or injustice. • Accompanying young people as they find their path in life. • Showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises. • Caring for our common home, the planet. Founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola and nine companions, the Society now numbers just under 15,000 men and is present in more than 100 countries. The head of the Order is the Superior General, Fr Arturo Sosa based in Rome. The head of the Order in Britain is the Provincial, Fr Peter Gallagher. In Britain the Jesuits run schools, parishes, centres of spirituality, a university college and chaplaincies. Jesuits are at work throughout Scotland, England and Wales, and there are British branches of the international Jesuit Refugee Service and Jesuit Missions. Jesuits in Britain CIO is a registered charity in England & Wales (1207742) and Scotland (SC053495).