The Washington times., 1911-08-16
.CLER|CS CELEBRATE
FOUNDING OF ORDER
OF JESUIT PRIESTS
Special Services Mark the
Anniversary of St. Ig-
+" natius Loyola.

Thousands of Jesuit priests, including
many in Washington, today begin new
eras Of service in the Society Of Jesus,
founded 3T years ago yesterday. Or
dination of many priests of the order
occur on the anniversary of the found
ing of the society in Paris, August 15,
1884, by ST. Ignatius Loyola. A major
tty enter the OrdeExpp this date.
Among the WASHINGTON priests who
are celebrating the anniversary is the
Rev. William J. Brooks, of Gonzaga
College, who today begins his twenty
first year as priest.
Celebration of the anniversary in
Washington was held Sunday, August
6, when the feast of the founder of
the Society of Jesus was observed
Special services were held at st.
Aloysius' Church, when the Rev. Eu-
gene Mcconnell was celebrant at SOL
emn high mass. The Rev. Raphael
Mcdonnell was deacon, and one of the
subdeacons, the Rev. John B. Pittar,
delivered the eulOgy to st. Ignatius.
Special music, lavish floral decorations,
and illumination of the altar marked
the service.
Next Sunday in many churches of
New York. Boston Philadelphia, and
other cities, commemorative services
will be held in honor Of the patron saint
of the Jesuits. Private services also
were held by local priests yesterday in
Washington chapels.
4 This morning, seated in the somber
reception room at GunZaga College, the
Rev. Father Erooks told why he cell
ebrates his twentieth anniversary as a
Jesuit, explaining the founding of the
order.
History of Founding.
nobleman, born in 1897, and was leader
in the war of Spain against France"
Father Brooks said He was wounded
in the leg in the battle of Pampaluna,
and while sick in a hospital asked for
something TO read. A Bible and the
Life Of St Dominic" were given him.
This was the birth Of the society, as ST.
1gnatius then conceived the idea Of its
founding, changing from a soldier TO
q cleric.
with five companions, including ST.
Frances Xavier, apostle of the indies
James Laynaz, the most celebrated the
Clogian OF his time, and Peter Fabr, the
only priest in the group. he founded the
society. They took their VOWS at Mont
narte, in Paris, August Is. 1924, but
were not blessed by the Pope until some
time afteIWard."
Father brooks says the original plan
of st. lgnatius was to work in Jerusa-
lem and reclaim sacred relics from the
snhdelS in the Holy Land, but the
Pope wished to work in Europe. A
school of divinity was esta ablished at
Paris, whre ether Jesuits were ordained
and sent to all parts of the world.
Education is the principal object of
the society," Father Brooks said today.
I'VE have schools and great colleges
everywhere
Prominent In Science.
In exploration and science the Jesuits
have also been prominent. 1t is said
Quinine was discovered by a Jesuit, and
was once called "Jesuits' bark" Magic
lantern pictures were another Jesuit
invention. and the priests have been
leaders in astronomy.
From the humble beginning Of St.
1gnatius at Montmatre, 377 years ago
yesterday, the society now has 1900
members through the world, in charge
of schools, colleges, and universities,
including Georgetown and GOnzaga in
Washington. The Very Rev. Francis
Wernz is general of the society, sta
toned at the Roman College. at Rome.
There are 800 priests in the local prov
ince of Maryland, New York. and the
District, one Of the largest numerically
OF the society.
The Rev. Joseph F. Hanselman, sta
toned at ST. Francis Xavier College,
is provincial in charge of the local prov
1nce.