Origins

The roots of Boston College lie in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the 2,000-year Catholic intellectual tradition, and the faith experience of St. Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus in 1540.

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

A Basque courtier and soldier, Inigo de Loyola was gravely wounded during the battle of Pamplona in 1521. During his convalescence, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion that began his lifelong commitment to God and service.

From his personal experience and prayer, he articulated a guide for finding God and self called the听Spiritual Exercises听that for centuries has enabled individuals to grow in faith and willingness to work for the greater glory of God, the motto of the Society of Jesus.

Under his direction, the Society of Jesus established schools throughout the continent beginning in Messina, Sicily, in 1548. The Jesuits became known as the schoolmasters of Europe, and over time emerged as the largest religious order in the Catholic Church and one of the greatest influences in Western civilization.

Today, the Society of Jesus totals 17,000 members who minister in 112 countries through education, advocacy for the poor, and missionary work. In the US alone, the Jesuits sponsor 28 colleges and universities and 47 high schools, while worldwide they educate approximately 1 million students in 2,300 schools.

True to their heritage, Jesuits remain contemplatives in action who, like their founder, engage critical challenges of the world. Their students and alumni are encouraged to develop their God-given talents and use them in the service of others to help make the world a more just and humane place.

Why a Jesuit Education?

Boston College seeks to provide an education that will promote integration of the intellectual, social, religious, and affective dimensions. 听It urges students to reflect deeply on who they are and how they want to live their lives.

Drawing on the heritage of St. Ignatius Loyola, Boston College invites students into a conversation that asks enduring questions and promotes engagement with the complex problems in today鈥檚 world.

In addition, Boston College encourages members of its community to be attentive to their own experiences, to reflect on them, and to use their talents to respond to the world鈥檚 needs, based on the conviction that God can be found in all human activity, especially in the search for truth and meaning.

Living the Mission

Boston College wants its students to connect their talents and strengths to the needs and opportunities of wider society through classes, curricula, and student formation efforts. Below are several examples that provide a sense of the Jesuit, Catholic dimensions of Boston College鈥檚 mission. 听听

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Professor and student

Core Curriculum

The Core Curriculum听provides a common intellectual foundation for undergraduates, and seeks to expand their horizons and promote the integration of knowledge, belief, and action.

About the Core Curriculum

Catholic mass and candles

Faith Traditions

Boston College celebrates its Catholic faith in many ways, including daily Mass and the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. It also welcomes all faith traditions and encourages students to explore their spirituality and engage in discussions of faith-based issues.

About Faith Traditions

Halftime retreat at the Connors Center in Dover, MA. Photographed for the Spring '17 issue of 51茶馆M. Center for Student Formation speakers.

Center for Student Formation

The Division of University Mission and Ministry听helps to foster relationships among students, faculty, and staff and assists them in developing their academic, social, and personal gifts. Its听Center for Student Formation听enables students to explore the connections between their talents and dreams and the world鈥檚 deep needs through programs such as the Freshmen League, Ascend, Halftime, and听a 17-day pilgrimage in Spain called "Self-Knowledge & Discernment: The Experience of Pilgrimage."

University Mission & Ministry

Center for Student Formation

Weihenmayer Agape Latte

Agape Latte

The Church in the 21st Century Center听promotes engagement of issues in the contemporary Catholic Church through lectures, symposia, and publications, as well as through informal gatherings for students about faith and life, such as the听Agape Latte听program.

The Church in the 21st Century Center

Agape Latte Program

Facts & Figures

115

Jesuits at Boston College

27

Jesuit Colleges & Universities in the U.S.

1,798

Jesuits in the U.S.

14,439

Jesuits Worldwide

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