|
Frequently Asked Questions |
"Everything You Wanted to Know about the Jesuits
But Were
Afraid to Ask"
What is a Jesuit?
A Jesuit is a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order founded by St. Ignatius Loyola in 1540.
What is the origin of the word Jesuit?
It is an anglicized version of the Latin Jesuita which is the combination
of the two Latin words Jesu and Ita. This translates as "Yes,
Jesus."
Are there different kinds of Jesuits?
Yes. There are Jesuit priests, Jesuit brothers, and Jesuit scholastics.
What is a Jesuit priest?
A Jesuit priest (called "Father") is ordained for sacramental ministry after 12 to 15 years of training.
What is a Jesuit brother?
A Jesuit brother (called "Brother") is one who is not ordained and whose apostolic work does not include sacramental or priestly ministry.
What is a Jesuit scholastic?
A Jesuit scholastic (called "Mister") is a seminarian still in the process of preparing to be a priest.
What makes a Jesuit a member of a religious order?
Members of a religious order take vows of perpetual poverty,
chastity and obedience.
What does SJ stand for?
It stands for "Society of Jesus." You'll normally see these initials after every Jesuit's name.
Why were Jesuits called "Blackrobes"?
Jesuits wore a black robe called a cassock that was bound together at the waist by a cincture (belt). For the most part, Jesuits today wear a black shirt with a Roman collar rather than a cassock.
Is it true that the Society of Jesus is the largest religious order of men in the world?
Yes. As of January 2011, there were some 17,906 men on six continents and
in 127 countries throughout the world. Of this number there were about 12,737 priests; 1,552 brothers;
3,617 scholastics; and 784 novices. Currently there are approximately 2,619 Jesuits
in the U.S.
What types of work are Jesuits engaged in?
Apostolic works that Jesuits are engaged in are education, parish ministry, preaching, pastoral ministry in hospitals, spiritual direction, giving retreats, missionary work in foreign countries, the training of diocesan seminarians, writing and publishing, TV and radio ministry, medicine and psychiatry to name a few.
There are 360 Jesuit priests and brothers who staff 110 parishes and over 200 Jesuits serve in 26 retreat houses and spiritual centers in the U.S. Where do these Jesuits work in the U.S.?
Jesuits in the U.S. work in ten regional areas called provinces.
What are the names of these regional areas or provinces?
The ten Jesuit provinces in the U.S. are California, Chicago, Detroit, Maryland, Missouri, New England, New Orleans, New York, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
Is there someone in charge of these provinces?
Yes. Each province is governed by a provincial superior.
Who is the provincial superior of the New Orleans Province?
Rev. Mark A. Lewis, S.J., is the current Provincial of the New Orleans Province.
What states make up the New Orleans Province?
The New Orleans Province includes ten states of the southern and southwestern
U.S.: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,
South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Who was Ignatius Loyola?
Ignatius Loyola was a Basque (Spaniard) born of a noble family in 1491.
He was the youngest of 11 children.
What did Ignatius do for a living?
He was a nobleman, a soldier and a member of the house or court of the Loyola family.
What brought about Ignatius' founding of the Jesuits?
A serious injury to his leg in battle in 1521 began a period of conversion in his life which eventually led to his starting a new religious order in 1540 called the Society of Jesus.
Why did Ignatius call his order the "Society of Jesus"?
He referred to his co-workers as "companions of Jesus," which led to the official
name of the order, the Company of Jesus (in Latin, Societas Jesu). In
English the order become known as the "Society of Jesus."
What else do we know about Ignatius?
He became the first Superior General of his order and died on July 31, 1556. The universal Church celebrates his feast day on July 31.
What is the significance of the "IHS" that appears on the seal and logo of the Jesuits?
These are actually three Greek letters "Iota", "Eta", and "Sigma" -- the first
three letters of Jesus' name in Greek which is 
. The
letter "Sigma" has several forms in Greek: the more familiar 
and the lowercase version
which looks more like our "S".
. The
letter "Sigma" has several forms in Greek: the more familiar and the lowercase version
which looks more like our "S".Why did Ignatius Loyola start the Society of Jesus?
The Society of Jesus was founded to strive especially for the defense and propagation of the faith and for the progress of souls in Christian life and doctrine.
How did the early Jesuits go about doing this?
They engaged in public preaching, lectures, giving the Spiritual Exercises, and the administration of the sacraments.
What are the "Spiritual Exercises"?
The Spiritual Exercises is a book which consists of a set of prayer experiences and reflections designed to be gone through over a period of 30 days under the guidance of a director.
Who originated the "Spiritual Exercises"?
They were formulated by Ignatius during his period of conversion.
Why does one go through the "Spiritual Exercises"?
The purpose of the Spiritual Exercises is to help individuals make life decisions and/or to live more serious Christian lives, find their personal life calling or vocation, or discern how to use their gifts or talents to serve God better, to help others, and to find genuine happiness.
How important are the "Spiritual Exercises"?
They had one of the greatest impacts on the spiritual life of the Church and are considered Ignatius' greatest contribution to the Church.
What is an "Ignatian retreat"?
An Ignatian retreat is one based on the Spiritual Exercises; it invites a person to meditate on the central aspects of Christian faith
(creation, sin, forgiveness, calling) and to contemplate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
What does A.M.D.G. stand for?
These letters are the abbreviations for the Latin phrase, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which means "For the greater glory of God."
What's so important about A.M.D.G.?
It is the motto of the Jesuits, of the Society of Jesus.
Was the education of youth in what we now call colleges and high schools one of the major reasons for founding the Society of Jesus?
No. The early educational institutions of the Society were intended only for the training of Jesuit scholastics or seminarians.
Why did Ignatius decide to open Jesuit institutions to non-Jesuits?
Pressure from lay people forced Ignatius to rethink the educational goals of the Society; he realized the value of educating leaders for society.
When did the first Jesuit school open for the public?
The first Jesuit school started in 1548 in Messina in Sicily.
What attracted lay people to want to come to these Jesuit schools?
The advanced teaching methods and high moral tone of the Jesuits were big attractions. The Jesuits
were among the first to incorporate the Classical teachings of Renaissance humanism into the Scholastic
structure of Catholic thought. In addition to teaching about their faith, Jesuit schools were
distinguished in their teaching of Latin, Greek, classical literature, poetry, and philosophy. Furthermore,
these schools encouraged the study of vernacular literature and rhetoric and thereby became important
centers for the training of lawyers and other public officials.
How fast did the educational apostolate of the Society grow?
At the time of Ignatius' death in 1556, there were about 1000 Jesuits maintaining about 100 different educational institutions throughout the world.
How many of these were Jesuit high schools?
About 40 of these were secondary schools.
How many Jesuit high schools, colleges and universities are there in the world today?
There are over 160 Jesuit educational institutions around the world. These include
primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, seminaries, technical
institutes and centers for adult learning.
How many Jesuit colleges/universities and high schools are there in the U.S. today?
There are 28 colleges and universities and 54 Jesuit high schools in the continental U.S. and one in Puerto Rico.
When did the first Jesuit school open in the United States?
The first Jesuit school to open in the U.S. was Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in 1789.What are the names of the Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. today?
Listed alphabetically with the date they were founded and the city in which they are located, they are:
| Boston College (1863), Chestnut Hill, MA Canisius College (1870), Buffalo, NY College of the Holy Cross (1843), Worcester, MA Creighton University (1878), Omaha, NE Fairfield University (1942), Fairfield, CT Fordham University (1841), Bronx, NY Georgetown University (1789), Washington, DC Gonzaga University (1887), Spokane, WA John Carroll University (1886), Cleveland, OH Le Moyne College (1946), Syracuse, NY Loyola College in Maryland (1852), Baltimore, MD Loyola Marymount University (1911), Los Angeles, CA Loyola University Chicago (1870), Chicago, IL Loyola University (1912), New Orleans, LA |
Marquette University (1881), Milwaukee, WI Regis University (1877), Denver, CO Rockhurst College (1910), Kansas City, MO St. Joseph's University (1851), Philadelphia, PA St. Louis University (1818), St. Louis, MO St. Peter's College (1872), Jersey City, NJ Santa Clara University (1851), Santa Clara, CA Seattle University (1891), Seattle, WA Spring Hill College (1830), Mobile, AL University of Detroit Mercy (1877), Detroit, MI University of San Diego, CA University of San Francisco (1855), CA University of Scranton (1888), Scranton, PA Wheeling Jesuit College (1954), WV Xavier University (1841), Cincinnati, OH |
When did the first Jesuit high school start in the U.S.?
Georgetown Preparatory School was connected with the University when it started and was the first Jesuit secondary school in the U.S.
How many Jesuit schools are there in the New Orleans Province?
There are five high schools and two institutions of higher education.
What are the two institutions of higher education?
Loyola University in New Orleans and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.
Where are the Jesuit high schools of the New Orleans Province located, and when did they open?
Jesuit High School of New Orleans in 1847; Jesuit High School of Tampa, Florida
in 1899; Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas in 1942; Strake Jesuit
College Preparatory in Houston, Texas in 1961; and Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston, Texas in 2009.
What are the names of the remaining Jesuit high schools that are located in the United States?
Listed alphabetically with the date they were founded and city in which they are located, they are:
| Arrupe Jesuit High School (2003), Denver, CO Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (1854), Miami, FL Bellarmine College Preparatory (1851), San Jose, CA Bellarmine Preparatory School (1928), Tacoma, WA Boston College High School (1863), Boston, MA Brebeuf Preparatory School (1962), Indianapolis, IN Brophy College Preparatory (1928), Phoenix, AZ Canisius High School (1870), Buffalo, NY Cheverus High School (1917), Portland, ME Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School (2008), Chicago, IL Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola (1952), Rio Piedra, Puerto Rico Creighton Preparatory School (1878), Omaha, NE Cristo Rey High School (2006), Sacramento, CA Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (1996), Chicago, IL Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (2007), Baltimore, MD Cristo Rey Jesuit High School - Twin Cities (2007), Minneapolis, MN De Smet Jesuit High School (1967), St. Louis, MO Fairfield College Preparatory School (1942), Fairfield, CT Fordham Preparatory School (1841), Bronx, NY Georgetown Preparatory School (1789), Rockville, MD Gonzaga College High School (1821), Washington, DC Gonzaga Preparatory School (1887), Spokane, WA Jesuit High School (1956), Portland, OR Jesuit High School (1963), Sacramento, CA Loyola Academy (1909), Wilmette, IL Loyola High School (1993), Detroit, MI |
Loyola High School Blakefield (1852), Towson, MD Loyola High School of Los Angeles (1865), CA Loyola School (1900), New York, NY Marquette University High School (1857), Milwaukee, WI McQuaid Jesuit High School (1954), Rochester, NY Red Cloud Indian School (1888), Pine Ridge, SD Regis High School (1914), New York, NY Regis Jesuit High School (1877), Aurora, CO Rockhurst High School (1910), Kansas City, MO St. Ignatius College Prep (1870), Chicago, IL St. Ignatius College Preparatory (1855), San Francisco, CA St. Ignatius High School (1886), Cleveland, OH St. John's Jesuit High School and Academy (1965), Toledo, OH St. Joseph's Preparatory School (1851), Philadelphia, PA St. Louis University High School (1818), St. Louis, MO St. Peter's Preparatory School (1872), Jersey City, NJ St. Xavier High School (1831), Cincinnati, OH Scranton Preparatory School (1944), Scranton, PA Seattle Preparatory School (1891), Seattle, WA University of Detroit Jesuit H. S. & Academy (1877), Detroit, MI Verbum Dei High School (2005), Los Angeles, CA Walsh Jesuit High School (1965), Cuyahoga Falls, OH Xavier College Preparatory High School (2006), Palm Desert, CA Xavier High School (1847), New York, NY |
Are there Jesuit saints?
Yes, there are 42 canonized Jesuit saints and 137 other Jesuits who have been declared blessed, the first step to sainthood. The following is a list of most of them according to the order of their canonization:
| Ignatius of Loyola, S.J. Francis Xavier, S.J. Francis Borgia, S.J. Stanislaus Kotska, S.J. Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J. John Francis Regis, S.J. Francis Jerome, S.J. Paul Miki, S.J. John Soan de Goto, S.J. James Kisai, S.J. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J. John Berchmans, S.J. Peter Claver, S.J. Peter Canisius, S.J. Robert Bellarmine, S.J. René Goupil, S.J. Isaac Jogues, S.J. John de la Lande, S.J. Anthony Daniel, S.J. John de Brebeuf, S.J. Gabriel Lalemant, S.J. Charles Garnier, S.J. Noel Chabanal, S.J. Andrew Bobola, S.J. |
Bernardine Realino, S.J. John de Brito, S.J. John Pignatelli, S.J. Alexander Briant, S.J. Edmund Campion, S.J. Robert Southwell, S.J. Henry Walpole, S.J. Nicholas Owen, S.J. Thomas Garnet, S.J. Edmund Arrowsmith, S.J. Henry Morse, S.J. Philip Evans, S.J. David Lewis, S.J. John Ogilvie, S.J. Claude de la Colombière, S.J. Paul Denn Rémy Isoré Léon-Ignace Mangin Modeste Andlauer José Maria Rubio Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga |
Do the Jesuits have a set of goals and objectives for their educational institutions?
Yes. These were originally described in a document called the Ratio Studiorum (or a "Plan of Studies").
What's so important about the Ratio Studiorum?
It provided a plan, an order or outline of studies from the early grades through college, and a method for Jesuit educators to follow in their educational endeavors.
Is the Ratio still in effect today?
Yes, much of it still is. The educational theory of the Ratio still affects teaching in a Jesuit school today.
What are some of the important characteristics of Jesuit education?
Among such characteristics are
- a personal concern for students,
- a focus on the humanities
- teaching techniques involving the prelection and repetition of subject matter
- active student involvement in the learning process
- an emphasis on the magis
- and on metanoia.
What does the word magis mean?
Magis is a Latin word meaning "more."
How does the word magis fit into Jesuit spirituality and ministry?
The magis focuses on what is judged to be the greater good,
the more courageous
response to the challenge of the times, referring not only to ideas and vision
but also to action.
What does the word metanoia mean?
Metanoia is a Greek word meaning "conversion."
What's so important about metanoia?
Spiritual conversion is one of the key aspects of the Spiritual Exercises.
Are Jesuits involved in, or supportive of, the arts?
Jesuits have always encouraged the use of ceremony and decoration in Catholic
ritual and devotion. As a result of this interest, coupled with their spiritual
practice of "finding God in all things,"
many Jesuits have distinguished themselves in the visual arts, in the performing
arts such as ballet and music, and in literature especially drama and poetry.
Is it true that Jesuits have been in space?
No, it isn't true (at least not yet!). However, 35 craters on the moon have been named after Jesuits to honor
their work as astronomers and scientists.
Who is the present Superior General of the Jesuits?
His name is Father Adolfo Nicolás, S.J. He was elected General in 2008, and he resides in Rome.
Who were the other Superior Generals of the past century?
They are in chronological order:
- Luis Martín, S.J.
- Franz-Xavier Wernz, S.J.
- Wladimir D. Ledóchowski, S.J.
- Jean Baptiste Janssens, S.J.
- Pedro Arrupe, S.J.
- Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J.
Where are the headquarters of the Society of Jesus?
The international office is in Rome, Italy. The national office in the U.S. is in Washington, DC.
Is there an organization and network of Jesuit high schools?
Yes, the Jesuit Secondary Education Association (JSEA) is an organization serving
the needs of Jesuit high schools in the United States. Similar organizations
exist for other countries.
Is there a parallel organization for Jesuit colleges and universities?
Yes. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) serves the needs of these institutions.
Where are the offices of the JSEA and AJCU located?
Both organizations are located in Washington, DC.
Where can we find today the vision of Ignatius Loyola for Jesuit schools?
In 1986 the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education published
the document, Go Forth and Teach: the Characteristics of Jesuit Education.
What's so important about this document?
It lists 28 characteristics of Jesuit education which give administrators and teachers in a Jesuit school a common vision and a common sense of purpose.
Is there any connection between the Characteristics document and the Ratio Studiorum?
Yes. The Characteristics document is an outgrowth of the Ratio Studiorum and contains many of its educational principles.
Are Jesuit schools part of the local diocesan educational system?
Jesuit schools are private, independent schools. However, they work in close collaboration with the diocesan system.
Do all Jesuit schools charge tuition?
All but one Jesuit school charges tuition.
You mean there is one Jesuit school that is completely free?
Yes. There is only one completely endowed Jesuit high school in the U.S., Regis High School in New York City.
Why do Jesuit schools have to charge tuition?
Jesuit schools are compelled to charge tuition since they receive no subsidies from diocesan, federal or state sources.
Then how can Jesuit schools continue to operate?
The generosity of many benefactors who believe in Jesuit education and support it allows Jesuit schools to continue to function.
Are there any coed Jesuit schools?
Although all Jesuit schools were originally founded for the education of young men, today all the Jesuit colleges and universities are open to both men and women. An increasing number of Jesuit high schools are coed (thirteen):
| Bellarmine Preparatory School (1928), Tacoma, WA Brebeuf Preparatory School (1962), Indianapolis, IN Cristo Rey High School (1996), Chicago, IL Gonzaga Preparatory High School (1887), Spokane, WA Jesuit high School (1956), Portland, OR Loyola Academy (1909), Wilmette, IL Loyola School (1900), New York, NY |
Red Cloud Indian School (1937), Pine Ridge, SD St. Ignatius College Prep (1870), Chicago, IL St. Ignatius College Preparatory (1855), San Francisco, CA Scranton Preparatory School (1944), Scranton, PA Seattle Preparatory School (1891), Seattle, WA Walsh Jesuit High School (1965), Cuyahoga Falls, OH |
What about Jesuit high schools in the New Orleans province?
Four of the Jesuit high schools in the New Orleans Province are still for young men only. The new Cristo Rey school in Houston is coed.
Are all Jesuit high schools college preparatory?
Yes. Jesuit schools help to prepare their students for entrance into college and strongly adhere to the mission of preparing leaders for tomorrow.
Do Jesuit high schools focus only on academic excellence?
No. They strive to go beyond mere academic excellence through the formation of the whole person: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually.
Are Jesuit high schools Catholic schools?
By all means. However, they do welcome individuals of other faiths who qualify for admission.
Why do Jesuit schools teach theology?
They believe that as Catholic schools they have a mission to continue the religious education of their Catholic students and to strengthen the faith of those who are not Catholic.
Are there other programs that foster the religious and spiritual development of their students?
Yes, Jesuit schools have pastoral programs that include school Masses, retreats, and common prayers.
Why do Jesuit schools demand a certain number of hours of community service?
Jesuit schools believe in developing "men and women for others," individuals who recognize the needs of others and are willing to volunteer their services to help those less fortunate than they.
Have there been graduates of Jesuit schools that have achieved some national or international prominence?
Yes. Here are a few individuals:
| Kathleen Abernathy | FCC Commisioner Marquette University 1982 |
| Alan Alda | Actor and TV star of M.A.S.H. Born Alfonso D'Abruzzo,
he now hosts Scientific American Frontiers Fordham University 1956 |
| Don Ameche | "Dapper" actor who made a comeback in Trading Places and Cocoon Marquette University 1929 |
| Pearl Bailey | Singer and entertainer Georgetown University 1985 |
| William Bennett | Former U.S. Secretary of Education Gonzaga College High Washington D.C. 1961 |
| William Peter Blatty | Author of the novel The Exorcist among others Brooklyn Prep 1946 and Georgetown University 1950 |
| Enrique Bolanos | President of Nicaragua Saint Louis University 1962 |
| John Bourgeois | Director of the U.S. President's Marine Corps Band Jesuit High School in New Orleans |
| Andre Braugher | TV actor of Homicide, Gideon's Crossing and City of Angels St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago) 1980 |
| Joseph Brennan | Two-term Congressman and two-term Governor of Maine Cheverus High 1952 |
| Jerry Brown | Two-term Governor of California and Mayor of Oakland St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco 1955 |
| Pat Buchanan | Former Senior White House Advisor who served Nixon, Ford, and Reagan Gonzaga College High Washington, DC 1956 |
| James Bunning | Kentucky Senator who made the Hall of Fame in 1996 for his pitching for
the Tigers, Dodgers, and others Xavier University 1953 |
| Campbell Brown | Co-anchor of NBC's Today Weekend Regis University 1991 |
| August Busch IV | President of Anheuser-Busch Saint Louis University 1987 |
| Brandi Chastain | Two-time Olympic gold winner soccer player who made the cover of
Sports Illustrated Santa Clara University 1991 |
| Sandra Cisneros | Author whose novel The House of Mango Street started
a whole movement in Hispanic literature Loyola University Chicago 1976 |
| Thomas L. Clancy, Jr. | Author Loyola Blakefield 1965 and Loyola College in Maryland 1969 |
| Will Clark | Baseball player with the San Franciso Giants and Texas
Rangers Jesuit High School in New Orleans |
| Mary Higgins Clark | Suspense writer -- read Nightime is My Time and
you only have 28 more Clark titles to go Fordham University 1979 |
| Bill Clinton | President of the United States Georgetown University 1968 |
| Tony Coelho | Former Congressman who authored the "Americans with Disabilities Act" Loyola Marymount University 1964 |
| David Cone | Baseball player with the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals
and Toronto Blue Jays Rockhurst High School |
| Harry Connick, Jr. | Singer and entertainer whom Sinatra referred to as "The
Kid" Jesuit High School New Orleans 1985 |
| William Connolly | Former Senior Editor of the New York Times and coauthor of the New York Times
Manual of style and Usage University of Scranton 1959 |
| Christopher Connor | CEO of Sherwin Williams Walsh Jesuit High 1974 |
| Bing Crosby | Singer and actor Gonzaga University 1924 and Gonzaga High School |
| Bob Denver | TV star of Gilligan's Island Loyola Marymount University |
| René Descartes | Philosopher & Mathematician Collège LaFlèche (Anjou) 1612 |
| Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Author, Creator of Sherlock Holmes Stonyhurst (Lancastershire) |
| Dick Durbin | Illinois Senator and founding member of the Senate Global AIDS Caucus Georgetown University 1966, 1969 |
| Manuel Esquivel | Former Primer Minister of Belize Loyola University New Orleans 1962 |
| Patrick Ewing | NBA All-star of the Knicks and Magics who also won Olympic gold in 1984 and '92 Georgetown University 1985 |
| Geraldine Ferraro | 1984 Vice Presidential Candidate Fordham University 1960 |
| Thomas Foley | Former U.S. Speaker of the House Gonzaga University |
| Doug Flutie | NFL & CFL football player Boston College |
| John, James, & Leon Gorman | Owners of L.L. Bean Ceverus High School 1949,'50,'52 |
| Jim Hendry | General Manager of the Chicago Cubs Spring Hill College 1977 |
| Alfred Joseph Hitchcock | Director and actor St. Ignatius College (London) |
| Mike Holovak | Former General Manager of the Houston Oilers Boston College |
| Bob Keeshan | TV's Captain Kangaroo who also appeared on The Howdy Doody Show Fordham University 1956 |
| Robert Kennedy | Attorney General and Senator Georgetown Prep (DC) |
| John Kerry | Senator and 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee Boston College 1976 |
| Gene Krantz | Former NASA Director of Mission Operations Saint Louis University 1954 |
| Nathan Lane | Broadway, movie, and TV actor of "The Producers" St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City) 1974 |
| Patrick Leahy | Vermont Senator for nearly 30 years Georgetown University 1964 |
| Elmore Leonard | Mystery writer University of Detroit Jesuit High School and University of Detroit Mercy |
| Vince Lombardi | Nine-season Green Bay Coach with a 98-30-4 record Fordham University 1937 |
| Lisa Madigan | First woman Attorney General of Illinois Georgetown University 1988 and Loyola University Chicago 1994 |
| Dave Magadan | Baseball player with the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners,
Florida Marlins and Houston Astros Jesuit High School Tampa 1980 |
| Ellis Marsalis | Jazz Pianist and father of musicians Wynton and Branford Loyola University New Orleans 1986 |
| Jim McKay | Sports announcer Loyola College in Maryland |
| Sean McManus | President of CBS Sports Fairfield Prep 1973 |
| Frank Murkowski | Senator for two-terms and Governor of Alaska Seattle University 1955 |
| Bill Murray | TV, movie actor and comedian of Saturday Night Live Loyola Academy in Wilmette and Regis University |
| Janet Napolitano | Governor and first woman attorney general of Arizona Santa Clara University 1979 |
| Bob Newhart | TV actor and comedian St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago) 1947 and Loyola University Chicago 1952 |
| Chris O'Donnell | Actor whose credits include Batman Forever, Fried
Green Tomatoes,
Circle of Friends, and Scent of a Woman Loyola Academy (Wilmette) 1988 and Boston College 1994 |
| Joe Paterno | Head coach of Penn State University Brooklyn Prep (recently closed) |
| John and Rich Petitbon | Both were NFL players; Rich was Tulane quarterback, Chicago hall-of-famer defensive end for the Bears,
and head coach of the Washington Redskins Jesuit High School in New Orleans 1947, 1955 |
| Lou Piniella | New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals Rookie of the Year,
and manager of the Seattle Mariners Jesuit High School Tampa 1961 |
| Peter Rozelle | Former NFL Commissioner who took the league from 12 to 28 teams
and gave us the Super Bowl University of San Francisco 1950 |
| Tim Russert | NBC News Senior VP and moderator of "Meet the Press" Canisius High (Buffalo) 1968 and John Carroll University 1972 |
| Antonin Scalia | Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Xavier High School New York 1953 and Georgetown University 1957 |
| Don Schula | Former head coach of the Miami Dolphins John Carroll University |
| Vince Scully | Sports announcer Fordham University |
| Rusty Staub | Former major league baseball player for the Houston Astros
and radio announcer for the New York Mets Jesuit High School in New Orleans |
| Clarence Thomas | Justice of the United States Supreme Court College of the Holy Cross 1971 |
| Alejandro Toledo | President of Peru University of San Francisco 1971 |
| Spencer Tracy | Movie Actor Marquette High School (Milwaukee) |
| Daniel L. Travanti | TV star of Hill Street Blues Loyola Marymount University |
| Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach | Appointed Director of the National Cancer Institute by President George W. Bush St. Joseph's University 1963 and Georgetown University 1967 |
| Denzel Washington | Actor who received an Oscar for Training Day Fordham University 1977 |
| George Wendt | TV and movie actor: starred as Norm in Cheers Campion Jesuit High 1966 and Rockhurst University 1971 |
| Mary Alice Williams | Emmy winning NBC newsanchor and founding anchor at CNN Creighton University 1971 |
Have there been Jesuits who have been noted in history for some specific accomplishment?
Yes. Here are just a few names:
| Christopher Clavius, S.J. | One of the most brilliant mathematicians and astronomers of the 16th century and one of the principal collaborators in the Gregorian Calendar reform (our modern 12-month calendar) |
| Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. | Famous French paleontologist, anthropologist and cosmic adventurer of the 20th century |
| Peter De Smet, S.J. | Missionary among native Americans in the mid-West and friend of Sitting Bull |
| Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J. | Famous English poet of the 19th century |
| Eusebio Kino, S.J. | One of the original explorers of the far West of the U.S. |
| Daniel Lord, S.J. | Musician, actor, author, noted for his work among teenagers and with the Sodality (Christian Life Community) |
| Jacques Marquette, S.J. | Discoverer and early explorer of the Mississippi River |
| Joseph T. O'Callaghan, S.J. | U.S. Navy Chaplain who received the highest award (Congressional Medal of Honor) in 1945 for heroism in combat during World War II |
| Miguel Pro, S.J. | Surreptiously spread the gospel in Mexico in the early part of the 20th century until he was captured and shot by a firing squad; he has recently been beatified by the Church |
| Karl Rahner, S.J. | Noted German theologian of the 20th century |
| Matteo Ricci, S.J. | One of the first missionaries to China, a noted mathematician |
| Andrew White, S.J. | Provided the leadership in starting the English colony of Maryland in 1634 |
Are there any Jesuits whose statues are part of the Statuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, there are two: the statue of Fr. Jacques Marquette, S.J. represents the State of Wisconsin; and the statue of Fr. Eusebio Kino, S.J. represents the State of Arizona.