Penetration into the Middle Kingdom

The Jesuits as a Missionary Order

Abstract

The Jesuits, who in Europe are known mostly as educators and teachers in high schools and universities, are presented in this article as a missionary order which preaches the Gospel throughout the world. Before establishing the Order, Ignatius of Loyola made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he had planned to stay and work as a curator of souls. As he was not given permission to do so, he dedicated himself to the study of theology and gathered together friends in whom he would then kindle the desire to become missionaries in the Holy Land. However, since it was not possible to sail to Palestine, the first Jesuits put themselves at the Pope’s disposal such that he might send them wherever they could be of most help to souls. As the Pope’s delegate, Francis Xavier travelled to Asia where he brought many to the Christian faith. His desire for a mission in China was not fulfilled. This was to succeed for his confrères Michele Ruggieri and Matteo Ricci who learned Chinese and developed a new missionary method. Thus they gained the confidence of the scholars who opened for them the path to the emperor’s court in Beijing and supported them in their evangelization efforts.