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Our Work

The Society of Jesus was born under the sign of reconciliation: reconciliation with God, reconciliation with the neighbor, reconciliation with creation itself. Each of our works is animated by this triple desire for reconciliation. With the whole church today, we understand that Christian love is necessarily expressed through words and gestures of justice and reconciliation. 

Arts, Education and Research

For each Jesuit, the world of culture and human thought is a privileged space where God is at work. The human, social and spiritual formation of young people requires the communication of the elements of a concrete culture: the education of young people has been a pillar of our apostolic mission since the early days of the Society. Thoroughly understanding the intellectual and cultural movements that fuel political choices, fostering dialogue between peoples and religions in a globalized world; celebrating beauty in artistic expressions from different backgrounds, and contributing to the world of art; learning to analyze reality in its scientific, philosophical and theological dimensions: this is the project of our research centers and our academic institutions.

Social Justice and Ecology

Since the 32nd General Congregation of the Society, the Jesuits affirm that the service of faith involves the service of justice. With Pope Francis, we are aware that justice for the poor and the excluded goes through the ecological transformation of economies and societies, and even minds and hearts. As Pope Benedict reminded us in 2008, by sending us to “those physical and spiritual regions where others cannot reach or have difficulties reaching”, the church entrusts us with the task of being “bridges of understanding and dialogue”.

Pastoral and parishes

The Jesuits are called, by their rule of life, to serve “the good of souls” by “public preaching, lessons and all other ministries of the Word of God, and the Spiritual Exercises, Christian formation […], and the spiritual consolation of the faithful through confession and the administration of the other sacraments. “

Our parishes, public chapels and chaplaincies are eminent places for this service of faith. There are also Jesuits in hospitals, prisons and other places of support for people in crisis.

First Nations

We Jesuits in Canada have been deeply impressed by our relations with Canada’s First Nations since the arrival of the first Jesuits in the 17th century. Today we are aware of the great obstacles presented by the painful history of relations between colonizers and first nations.

For more than 165 years, Canadian Jesuits have lived and worked continuously with the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomi nations, mainly in northern Ontario, around Manitoulin Island and Thunder Bay.

Here is the statement of reconciliation of the Jesuits in 2013, as part of our participation in the commission for Truth and Reconciliation.

Spiritual Life

In the tradition of St. Ignatius, the Jesuits of Canada have centers of retreat and spirituality. They are places of prayer and peace for all. In an atmosphere that respects persons and their unique journeys, people can deepen their relationship to God, to the neighbor and to all creation.