Jesuits

Society of Jesus; most highly centralized R.C. order, founded 1534 by Loyola. It has 4 cla es, the main offices being held by the profe ed of the four vows, chastity, poverty, obedience, and submi ion to the Pope's direction to any part of the world. It is governed by a General residing in Rome. The order aims chiefly at teaching and mi ion work, and has shown great flexibility and effectivene . It was abolished by Clement XIV. 1773, and restored by Pius VII. 1814. The order was abolished in Spain 1868, Germany 1873, and France 1880. In 1759 it had 22,589 members; it has now ab. 12,300.