Jesuits in Britain

Who we are

The Jesuits, or the Society of Jesus, are a Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, now present in over a hundred countries around the world. In Britain, they are at the centre of a broad network of lay men and women who work throughout the UK in education, spirituality, social justice, pastoral care, and academic research, helping to bring the Kingdom of God to life.

From its early days in the 16th century, the Jesuits have been dedicated to caring for the disadvantaged, sharing the Gospel, and guiding people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, they continue to promote faith, justice, and reconciliation in society, focusing on four important areas: walking with those who suffer from poverty, discrimination, or injustice; accompanying young people; showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises; and caring for our common home, the planet.