Our Story

The Society of Jesus was founded in 1534 in Montemartre outside Paris, where Ignatius of Loyola and six companions made their first vows together to 'enter upon hospital and missionary work in Jerusalem, or go without questioning wherever the Pope might direct'.

Since then, Jesuits have served the Church in a wide array of areas. Distinguished Jesuits throughout history include scientists and theologians, poets and philosophers, explorers and missionaries, pastors and preachers.

The Society of Jesus in Australia

The first Jesuits to set foot in Australia came from Austria, arriving in Adelaide in 1848. Two Irish Jesuits established a community in Melbourne in 1865, and three more Austrians and one of the first native-born Australians to become Jesuit established a community in Darwin in 1882.

The Australian Province was formally established in 1950, with Fr Austin Kelly SJ its first Provincial. The Province has benefited from a long line of dynamic and capable individuals working in a range of ministries. In recent years, although the number of Jesuits has declined, these ministries have continued with the help of lay companions.

Jesuits today

The themes of the Jesuit works in Australia have remained consistent with those enunciated by the pioneer Jesuits in Victoria and South Australia. A concern for the treatment of Aborigines and people on the margins has developed into the establishment of social justice ministries. Engagement in public debate and theological reflection has developed into the establishment of Jesuit schools, a theological college, and a publishing house. Parishes continue to provide a hub for pastoral activities, and retreat houses continue to provide opportunities for people to experience the Spiritual Exercises.

ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA AND THE BEGINNINGS OF THE SOCIETY

A HISTORY OF THE JESUITS IN AUSTRALIA