Jesuit Tradition

As a Jesuit institution, Saint Louis University aims to educate the whole person – encouraging students to challenge ideas, contribute their time and talent to the community and develop ethical and moral leadership abilities. In accordance with the ideals and principles set out by the founder of the Society of Jesus – St. Ignatius of Loyola – strong emphasis is placed on educating the mind, body and spirit of students so that they will be better able to contribute to the global society.

Saint Louis University – through its curriculum, activities and services – aims to develop students’ capacities so as to actively participate in the world, providing them the tools to formulate and defend ideas, develop the ability to think clearly and objectively and argue convincingly, in order to make a difference tomorrow with what they are learning today.

At the Madrid Campus, the Jesuit heritage is enhanced by the fact that Spain is deeply connected to the heritage and tradition of the Society of Jesus. Not only was St. Ignatius born and raised in northern Spain, but the Jesuit ideals of both scholarship and service were reinforced and guided by such Spaniards as St. Francis Xavier and Fr. Pedro Arrupe, who – in particular – urged all people to be women and men for others. Moreover, the current Superior-General of the Order, Fr. Adolfo Nicola, is a Spaniard from the town of Palencia.

While studying at the Madrid Campus, students of all faiths and denominations are encouraged to join the University’s Campus Ministry on a weekend retreat, traveling to the beautiful Basque Country in the north and visiting the Loyola Sanctuary, which was built on the grounds of St. Ignatius’ family’s home. Information about the Loyola Sanctuary and the history of St. Ignatius, Ignatian Spirituality and the Society of Jesus is available on the Sanctuary’s website at: http://www.santuariodeloyola.org/