Catholic/Jesuit Heritage

The Jesuits

The Jesuits, formally known as members of the Society of Jesus, are an order of priests in the Catholic church known for their intellectual facility, their broad range of knowledge and interests, and their centuries of accomplishment in the field of education. Their founder was St. Ignatius Loyola, a Spanish officer in the 1500’s who underwent a spiritual awakening while recovering from a serious battlefield injury and then went on to establish the order.

Jesuit Education: A Worldwide Network

Loyola College in Maryland is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. There are another 100 in 27 different countries. We find 47 Jesuit high schools in the United States, with several hundred more all around the world. It is true to say that the Jesuits are among the great educators of history and among the great educators in the world today. It is also true to say that a person who graduates from a Jesuit institution earns a degree that literally commands nationwide and worldwide recognition.

Education of the Whole Person

The Jesuits have a phrase for this – “cura personalis”, or care of the whole person. While academic work is the central focus of the college years, Loyola’s purpose is to help students develop in many different ways: intellectually, socially and spiritually. Our liberal arts core curriculum is designed to help students obtain a broad and comprehensive background in college. Students are engaged in many ways beyond the classroom as well. Our intent is to help you as you develop into a well-rounded person with a well-defined purpose in your life.

Ethics and Values

Part of the liberal arts core is a requirement to take ethics, either a general course covering ethical issues, a profession-specific course or a course focusing on various aspects of Catholic values and philosophy. Beyond the classroom, the College attempts to create an environment that allows students to explore and discuss questions of values in a variety of settings.

Service: Men and Women for Others

In addition to inquiring into ethics and values, Loyola encourages students to put their ideals into action in a variety of ways. Our community service program is extensive, with opportunities to work on a regular basis in Baltimore, to travel with a group of Loyola students to other parts of the country, or travel internationally to engage in service projects during breaks in the school year.

Exploring Your Faith

Students interested in exploring questions of faith and spirituality will find many opportunities to do so at Loyola. A strong set of programs sponsored by the Campus Ministries department allows students to worship, to reflect and to participate. The theology requirement in the core curriculum challenges all students to study the ideas and history of religion. The minor in Catholic Studies gives students the opportunity to understand Catholicism more thoroughly and more deeply. Non-Catholic students are welcome at Loyola, and they also will find opportunities to study, to participate and to worship.