The Jesuit formation process holistically nurtures mind, body, and spirit to prepare individuals for the Society's global mission serving the Church. Extensive time is devoted to prayer, spirituality, personal growth, intellectual pursuits, cultural awareness, media literacy, and immersion in developing regions. This comprehensive approach cultivates an openness to the Jesuits' far-reaching apostolic work spanning academic, cultural, and spiritual realms across the world. The formation's thoroughness aims to instill availability to embrace any mission, equipping Jesuits with the versatility their vocation demands.
The Society of Jesus, commonly called Jesuits, was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions, with the approval of Pope Paul III. Today, the society is engaged in evangelisation, apostolic, and spiritual ministries. Jesuit communities and individuals work in education, research, in cultural pursuits, as retreat directors, in hospitals, in parishes, sponsoring direct social and humanitarian ministries, and promoting ecumenical dialogue.
The Beginning of the Jesuit History in Siam (1607-1767)
"The Society of Jesus" or what we know as "the Jesuits" was born through God's grace given to St. Ignatius and his other first nine companions. This order was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540. Since that time, there have been many men who have followed and offered themselves in this religious order to serve God and other fellow humankind. They are from different nationalities and backgrounds; they are known as "Jesuits," and now, they are all over the world, including Thailand. Though many, they have the same goal, that is, "For the greater glory of God" (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).