Discuss the Jesuits and their role in the Catholic Church of this era

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, was founded by Ignatius Loyola, a fervent Spanish Catholic. He called for a militant return to fundamental Catholic dogma and the strict enforcement of traditional Church teachings. In addition to the monastic vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience, the Jesuits took an oath of allegiance to the pope, whom they served as soldiers of Christ. Under Loyola's leadership, the Jesuit order became the most influential missionary society of early modern times. Rigorously trained, its members acted as preachers, confessors, and teachers—leaders in educational reform and moral discipline. Two aspects of Jesuit training—mysticism and militancy—are reflected in Loyola's influential handbook, the Spiritual Exercises.
The Jesuits were excellent proselytizers and their evangelism helped to spread Catholicism globally. As pioneers in learning the languages and customs of India, China, and Japan, they were the prime intermediaries between Europe and Asia from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries. In the Americas, which became prime targets for Jesuit activity, missionaries mastered Native American tribal languages and proceeded to convert thousands to Roman Catholicism. Their success in Mexico and Central and South America stamped these parts of the world with a distinctive cultural character.