What religious order was founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius of Loyola?

The Jesuits, formally known as the Society of Jesus, was founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This order played a significant role during the Counter-Reformation, focusing on education, missionary work, and spiritual formation. The Jesuits emphasized the importance of education and intellectual rigor in their approach to spreading Christianity, establishing schools and universities across Europe and in missionary territories globally. Their unique contributions included a commitment to understanding and engaging with different cultures, which was crucial for their missionary efforts. This focus on education and engagement set the Jesuits apart from other religious orders of the time.

In contrast, the Franciscans and Dominicans, while also important religious orders, were founded earlier in the 13th century and had different missions and approaches. The Franciscans, for instance, emphasized a life of poverty and service to the poor, whereas the Dominicans focused primarily on preaching and combating heresy through education and theological scholarship. The Augustinians, founded in the early 13th century, followed the Rule of St. Augustine and concentrated on community living and preaching as well, but they do not have the same emphasis on education and missionary work as the Jesuits.

Thus, the Jesuits' unique founding purpose and