By Fr Alvin Ng, SJ
The first Jesuit set foot on the Malay peninsula in 1545, when St Francis Xavier arrived in Malacca and ministered to the small Catholic population there.
The Jesuit order, or formally known as the Society of Jesus, was founded in 1540 by Xavier and nine companions. While Xavier is arguably the most well known Jesuit of all time, the undisputed leader of the group was St Ignatius Loyola.
He also gifted the Church and the world the “Spiritual Exercises”, a retreat framework and “Ignatian Spirituality”, a brand of practical spirituality suited for daily life.
The Society of Jesus is a religious order consisting of priests and brothers who are called to be companions and sharers in Christ’s mission of salvation. Jesuits are willing to do anything and go anywhere, even in the most difficult geographical and spiritual frontiers.
Currently, there are more than 14,000 Jesuits worldwide working in various ministries. In Malaysia and Singapore, Jesuits run parishes, offer spiritual care and accompaniment, and work as educators. Some of our Jesuits are also based overseas for formation and to serve the universal mission of the Church and society.
