The key-identifiers of the Living Tradition 

Jesuit schools have for many years provided an education that responds not only to the individual needs of the students, but also to the social, economic and environmental challenges of our time. 

For this reason, the Society of Jesus is committed to periodically drafting documents to update the educational offerings of its institutions, ensuring they respond to the demands and challenges of a constantly changing world. The most recent document, ‘Jesuit Schools: A Living Tradition in the 21st Century – A Continuous Exercise of Discernment’ was published in 2019. It outlines 10 key identifiers that define the characteristics of Jesuit education for institutions that wish to be part of the Jesuit school network or align themselves with Ignatian pedagogy. 

These guiding concepts are pillars that each school implements in its activities, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals marked by academic and human excellence that distinguish our educational approach. 

One of the key indicators emphasizes providing a Catholic education while remaining open to interreligious dialogue, thereby promoting an inclusive and intercultural attitude that embraces different religions and cultures. The value of global citizenship educates young people to see themselves as members of the human family, fostering a sense of responsibility for the entire world rather than identifying solely with a particular nation or group. 

Our institutions strive to be a safe and secure environment for all community members, ensuring protection from all forms of abuse and encouraging young people to develop critical thinking and solidarity in the face of current injustices and challenges. 

Given the complexity of the contexts that students face, Jesuit schools do not operate in isolation but as part of a global network, collaborating with other parochial schools, NGOs, parishes, and local dioceses. This strengthens their shared mission and allows them to share ideals and goals for social improvement. 

Additionally, Jesuit education identifies the care for Creation as a key identifier, which is why ecological ethics and environmental volunteer activities are regularly integrated into programs and educational activities. 

Jesuit schools are committed to the challenge of providing accessible education for all, regardless of social background, despite the high tuition fees necessary to cover the substantial costs of educational activities. Schools are encouraged to seek alternative funding sources so that the apostolate of education, like every apostolate of the Society, can genuinely embody the character of universality. 

The apostolic ideal of Jesuit schools is to provide an education accessible to all. The challenge lies in balancing the community’s needs—which demand increasingly high-quality facilities—and the financial commitment required to manage an institution. The goal of Ignatian education remains to support individuals in their growth and life journey, which extends beyond academics to foster deep self-awareness and awareness of the world, helping to nurture “men and women for others” with God’s guidance.