Jesuit Heritage

Jesuits and Georgetown: Past and Present

Jesuits have cared for Georgetown from its earliest days. Histories of the university celebrate their numerous contributions as teachers, scholars, administrators, chaplains, and counselors; and many Georgetown buildings bear the names of these men. Hundreds of other Jesuits, along with generous alumni and benefactors, have also worked tirelessly to build Georgetown, both literally and figuratively, into the university it is today. Through the years a significant number of Georgetown alumni have entered the Society of Jesus, and in recent decades graduates of Georgetown have joined the order in greater numbers than graduates of any other Jesuit school in the United States. After entering the Society, these men pursue a decade-long course of studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood. Some also earn advanced degrees in a wide variety of academic disciplines. For instance, the Georgetown Jesuit community has been home to actors, astronomers, poets, politicians, playwrights, physicians, lawyers, sculptors, painters, and professors of every sort. Also, not all Jesuits serve as priests. There are Jesuit brothers, several of whom live and work at Georgetown, including "the Minister," or administrator of the community.

Jesuits continue the work of their predecessors, contributing to all aspects of university life. Most of these men live in Wolfington Hall, Jesuit Residence, in the Southwest Quadrangle. Others serve as chaplains-in-residence in residence halls and student apartments. The Jesuit community is led by its local religious superior, called the Rector, and is connected to the worldwide Society of Jesus through a regional superior, known as the Provincial. Ultimately, all Jesuits come under the jurisdiction of the Superior General, who resides at the Jesuit headquarters in Rome.

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