Lecture Notes: The Franciscan and Jesuit Missionary Movements
Overview
Discussion of early monastic missionary movements, focusing on the Franciscans, founded by Saint Francis, and the Jesuits, founded by Ignatius of Loyola.
Emphasis on the unique aspect of these movements: the call to evangelize and spread beyond their local regions.
The Franciscan Missionary Movement
Founded by Saint Francis with a focus on preaching the gospel and serving the poor.
Had a significant global impact and spread beyond Italy.
The Jesuit Missionary Movement
Founding and Early Influences
Ignatius of Loyola, inspired by Saint Francis, had a conversion experience after a battle injury.
Developed the "Spiritual Exercises," a program for spiritual retreat, during a year in a Dominican monastery.
Studied theology at the University of Paris where he met his first companions.
Formation of the Jesuit Order
In 1534, Ignatius and six colleagues formed a monastic order dedicated to evangelism and service to the Pope.
Officially recognized by the Pope in 1540.
Core Commitments
Evangelistic Thrust: Focus on the salvation and perfection of souls, both of their own and others.
Methodology:
Spiritual formation through "Spiritual Exercises."
Works of charity, specifically the instruction of children in Christianity.
Education as a key element of mission.
Global Vision: Members take an oath to go anywhere in the world for God's greater service.
Expansion and Influence
Rapid growth: from 7 members in 1540 to over 1,000 by Ignatius' death in 1556.
Extensive geographic reach within a few decades:
Asia: India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, China.
Africa: Ethiopia, Congo, Angola, Mozambique.
Americas: Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia.
Embraced a motto: "The world is our home."
Methodology and Impact
Cultural and Scientific Engagement:
Focus on learning local languages and engaging with cultures.
Contribution to scientific and cultural knowledge.
Emphasis on training local clergy and establishing educational institutions.
Educational Legacy: Establishment of schools globally, with a strong focus on education as a means of evangelism.
Contextual and Historical Relevance
Operated during the Age of Exploration, leveraging colonial expansion.
Close relationship with colonial powers and exploration.
Notable for scientific and cultural contributions, often working within and around colonial frameworks.
Commitment to cultural respect and adaptation.
Educational Commitment
Significant role in setting up educational institutions.
About 700 institutions within 200 years of founding.
Reflections
The Franciscans and Jesuits played pivotal roles in global missionary work, each with unique approaches and lasting impacts.
Their methods and commitments to global evangelism offer lessons for contemporary missional work.
Next Steps
Upcoming lecture will provide mini-biographies of significant Jesuit missionaries to highlight their contributions and methodologies.
Encouragement to reflect and draw lessons from these historical movements.