The Jesuits

Question 1

Who founded the ‘society of Jesus’?

Answer 1

Ignatius of Loyola and 6 of his companions

Question 2

When was the Jesuits founded?

Answer 2

1534

Question 3

Name 3 works the Jesuits undertook?

Answer 3

1) Serving the poor/charity work
2) Lecturing in universities
3) Guiding people through the ‘Spiritual Exercises’

Question 4

Who supported the Jesuits (aristocracy)

Answer 4

Contarini and Paul III

Question 5

When where the Jesuits official recognised by Paul III

Answer 5

1540

Question 6

What was the bull called that recognised the Jesuits?

Answer 6

‘Regimini militantis ecclesiae’

Question 7

What were the set aims of the Jesuits in 1540? (6 aims)

Answer 7

1) To advance souls in Christian Life and doctrine
2) To pass, spread and defend the Catholic faith through preaching,lectures and the ministry of Gods work
3) To carry out spiritual exercise and charity
4) To hear confessions and administer sacraments
5) To reconcile + serve those in prison and hospitals
6) To educate people in the Christian doctrine

Question 8

What is the structure of the Jesuit order

Answer 8

General congregation
              I
  General provincial
              I
      Provincials
              I
        Rectors

Question 9

How long was the Jesuits noviciate

Answer 9

2 years

Question 10

How was the Jesuit organisation a factor for its success

Answer 10

1) It was flexible and suited the needs of the organisation which was rapidly expanding
2) Stressed obedience to the established authorities and to avoid deflecting to other roles
3) Rigorous educational training meant they were held in high regard and high demand

Question 11

What did the Jesuits do? (6 things)

Answer 11

1) missionary work
2) education
3) pastoral work
4) acting as congessors
5) work as theologians and diplomats
6) defending the CC against P advance

Question 12

What made the Jesuits different from other orders ?

Answer 12

1) They did not wear any monastic habits/dress
2) They did NOT meet daily for mass or prayers
3) They discouraged fasting and extensive prayer
4) Jesuits dedication to the papacy was exceptional/absolute

Question 13

What was the significance of Loyolas Spiritual Exercises ?

Answer 13

1) They were an essential tool for Jesuit training as they taught self-discipline,prayer,reflection.
2) They were flexible- ordinary men and women could make time to do it and be guided by a spiritual director in the process
3) They gained the Jesuits support,it became a mark of social distinction to take the Exercises and many aristocratic men and women including kings and princes became committed to the Jesuits

Question 14

How important was Ignatius Loyola as an individual in the success of the Jesuits ?

Answer 14

1) He was charismatic and charming and this helped him impresses potential supporters as well as strike a balance between religion and practicality.
2) He demanded obedience from his memebers but did not allow them to punish themselves eg fasting…he stressed caring for the poor and obedience to the Pope.
3) Ignatius instructed the society not to attack/ openly criticise others way of life eg Protestants, he said they should preach in love against heretics not heap abuse on them.

Question 15

Which rich/ royal families did Loyola maintain correspondence with?

Answer 15

The Habsburg and Bavarian royalty

Leading aristocratic families in Catholic counties eg Spain and Portugal

Question 16

Who were the 6 companions of Ignatius?

Answer 16

Bobadilla
Favre
Rodriguez
Lainez
Salmeron
Xavier

Question 17

How did the Jesuits role as educator s help revive the Catholic Church?

Answer 17

1) Cathoilc theology was the core of each school and primacy of the Pope was emphasised,boys were admitted from age 10 so taught these things from an early age.
2) The education was free,meaning the volume of people who could attention was increased,this provided possible recruits for the Jesuits.

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