New Video Series: “The Early Society”
The General Curia has recently published a little-known video series by the late Jesuit historian Fr John O’Malley, SJ, exploring the early years of the Society of Jesus. The series offers nine videos examining key decisions, events, and figures in its development. Fr O’Malley addresses some fundamental themes: how the Jesuits unexpectedly became educators, the distinctive “worldly” character of Ignatian spirituality, the five missions that define our charism, and the vital contributions of Polanco and Nadal in codifying the Jesuit way of proceeding.
This series addresses essential questions like: “Why did the Jesuits succeed so rapidly in the 16th-17th centuries?” “What did papal obedience really mean for the early Jesuits?” “What tensions emerged in the transition from brotherhood to an international institution?” Each video provides historical context that connects contemporary Jesuits with the roots of our identity and mission.
The materials can be best utilized in community and group contexts, promoting deep reflection and enriching fraternal dialogue. This series joins our growing library of content on Ignatian sources, including the ones on the Spiritual Diary, the Spiritual Exercises, and the Discernment in the History of the Society. We hope these materials support the formation journey of Jesuits worldwide and respond to the call for greater connection with our foundational charism.
formation.jesuits.global
Visit formation.jesuits.global to explore the complete series. Fr O’Malley speaks in
English and automatic subtitles are available in different languages.
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