Jesuits in Mexico

Colloquially known as Jesuits, on September 27, 1540, seven Catholic priests headed by Ignatius of Loyola were formally recognized by Pope Paul III as the Order of the Society of Jesus. Its founding mission was, from the beginning, remarkably peculiar: "To find God in all things" and to form "men and women for others."

Last July 7th was a special day for Jesuits in Mexico, and for those of us who have been formed in light of their values, since Carlos Ramón Vigil Ávalos SJ passed away, who held the most prominent positions in the Society of Jesus in our country, notably rector of the Ibero-American and Provincial University for Mexico, among others.

In Father Vigil, who with insistent simplicity said "call me Carlos, just like that, that's my name", one could find the proper balance of the Jesuits: rigorous thinking and discipline at work; but preserving the joyful conviction that:

"All progress and all conquests could only be profound and authentic if the one who advances and grows is man, considering not only the individual, but also the person who is fully realized only with others ". 

So was our beloved Carlos. RIP

Thus in Jesuit thought has always been the seed of transformation, the true revolution implemented in the minds of the leaders trained in their classrooms, such as: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla or José María Morelos y Pavón.

IN PERSPECTIVE , we must not forget that, if it is about transformations, it was in the Temple of San Felipe Neri (Iglesia de la Profesa), an enclosure entrusted to the Society of Jesus, where the consummation of the Independence of Mexico was agreed. 

How likely is it that the profound transformation that Mexico needs will occur without the participation of the Jesuits or the cadres they have formed? 

What do you think, dear reader?

***

Published in Voces Mexico, July 8th, 2021