The Order Of The Day

Pope Francis was Jorge Mario Bergoglio before election to the papacy.

Before he came on the world stage as Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio had already put in 53 years of service to the church as a Jesuit. The Society of Jesus founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola has served the church for nearly 500 years, with Jesuits currently working in 112 nations in a variety of apostolic ministries.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (October 23, 1491 – July 31, 1556) founded the Society of Jesus, whose members are called Jesuits.

The election of Bergoglio to the papacy allows for greater visibility for all religious orders. Give thanks for all the women and men in consecrated religious life who have dedicated their lives to the People of God.