“God’s Marines” called to serve
The Society of Jesus (Latin: Societas Iesu, S.J., SJ, or SI) is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as “God’s Marines” and as “The Company,” these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola’s military background and the members’ willingness to go anywhere in the world and live in extreme conditions.
The Society is engaged in evangelization and apostolic ministry in 112 nations on six continents. The Society’s founding principles are contained in the document Formula of the Institute, written by Ignatius of Loyola. Jesuits are known for their work in education (founding schools, colleges, universities and seminaries), intellectual research, and cultural pursuits, and for their missionary efforts. Jesuits also give retreats, minister in hospitals and parishes, and promote social justice and ecumenical dialogue.
Ignatius House Retreat Center was founded by the Jesuit Fathers and Brothers of the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus in 1960. Today, our Jesuits are actively involved at Ignatius House leading retreats, providing spiritual direction, celebrating mass and continuing to serve as God’s Marines.
Meet our Jesuits:
Fr. Ed Buvens, S.J., Retreat Director (Email Fr. Ed)
Fr. Ed Buvens, SJ has been a member of the Society of Jesus for 52 years as an administrator, social worker, spiritual director and more. He came to Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center from New Orleans where he was the Superior of the Ignatius Residence, a Jesuit retirement facility, since 2005. Fr. Ed was born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana,
Fr. Niel Jarreau, S.J., Retreat Director (Email Fr. Niel)
Fr. Niel Jarreau, S.J. serves as a Spiritual Advisor, and Retreat Director at Ignatius House and has been giving retreats on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola since 1958. Prior to coming to Ignatius House, he served as Administrator of Jesuit Residence in Shreveport, LA and as Dean of Men in Mobile, AL at the Jesuit House of Studies. Fr. Neil was also an Associate Pastor at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, TX native of New Orleans, Fr. Neil is a native of New Orleans.
Learn more about the Jesuits at http://www.jesuit.org/.
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