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| The Oath of the Society of
Jesus |
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From "The Oath of the
Jesuits." As reproduced in The Age of Reformation, ed.
Roland H. Bainton (Princeton, NJ: D. Van Nostrand Co.,
Inc., 1956), 152-153.
| Founded by
Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), the Society of Jesus
(the Jesuits) was formally recognized by the Pope in
1540. They quickly became the "shock troops of the
papacy" responsible for educating Catholic clergy
and youth, working in foreign missions throughout
the world, and proselytizing in Protestant areas
like Germany. The Jesuit mission was in stark
contrast to the reforms of the Protestant
Reformation and Loyola's followers soon became one
of the most significant forces for Catholic renewal. |
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| Whoever wishes to be a
warrior of God under the banner of the cross in our society,
which bears the name of Jesus, to serve God alone and His
vicar on earth, the Roman Pontiff, must after taking the
solemn vow of perpetual chastity dedicate himself to
propagate the faith through public preaching and ministry of
the Word of God, spiritual exercises and works of piety and
particularly the religious education of children, by
affording spiritual consolation through the hearing of
confessions. He must keep constantly God before his eyes,
striving to attain the goal set him by God and to fulfill
those rules which are in a sense a way to God. Lest any
behave with excessive zeal let each member place himself
entirely under the direction of the general or prelates
chosen by us. This general shall have authority to establish
a constitution in conclave where the decision of the
majority shall prevail. In major matters a majority of the
entire membership must be present; in minor affairs those
who happen to be at hand. Let every member recognize that
not only when he makes his profession, but throughout his
life, he is subject to the present Pope and to his
successors. We are bound beyond the ordinary by a particular
vow in this regard. If then the present Pope or his
successors should send us for the improvement of souls or
the propagation of the faith to the Turks or other infidels
even in India or to heretics, schismatics or some of the
faithful, we are to obey without evasion or excuse.
Wherefore, those who would join us should consider long
before taking this load upon their shoulders and should well
count the cost whether they have sufficient spiritual wealth
to build the tower. In everything touching the rule, let
obedience be given to the general. He in turn is always to
be mindful of the goodness, gentleness, and love of Christ.
All should be concerned for the instruction of youth in
Christian doctrine and the Ten Commandments. Since we have
discovered a life of poverty to be more conducive to
happiness, purity and edification, we vow ourselves to
perpetual poverty not only singly but as an order in the
sense that there is to be no legal holding but rather
contentment with gifts covering necessities, except that in
schools it is permissible to have whatever is necessary for
students. |
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