The Society of Jesus has had a presence in the Dominican Republic since the 16th century, formally establishing itself in 1701 in the city of Santo Domingo. In 1773, the Society left the country following the suppression of the order by Pope Clement XIV, which entailed its departure from all territories under Spanish rule. After its restoration, the Jesuit mission resumed in 1936 in the province of Dajabón, from where it has progressively expanded to various regions of the country.
Currently, the mission operates in the educational, social, spiritual, parish, and communication fields. Among its main projects in the Dominican Republic are the Loyola Polytechnic Institute in San Cristóbal; San Ignacio de Loyola Technological Institute in Dajabón; the Juan Montalvo Father Center for Reflection and Social Action; Loyola School in Santo Domingo; and the Fe y Alegría educational network, present in 16 provinces of the country.
The Company pastorally accompanies parishes in popular sectors of Greater Santo Domingo, such as Los Guandules, Guachupita, and La Ciénaga. Likewise, it promotes philosophical formation through the Bonó Higher Institute; it promotes Spiritual Exercises through the Ignatian Center for Spirituality and the Manresa Loyola and Manresa Altagracia houses in Santo Domingo; it accompanies young people through the Ignatian Youth Ministry and Vocational Ministry; it works with pregnant women and early childhood through the Maternal and Child Ministry; and it fosters social commitment through the Ignatian volunteer service Servir-D.
The Company's most recent mission initiated in the country took place in 2021, in the deep south, specifically in the municipality of Tamayo, Bahoruco province, where the parish of San Antonio de Padua and its communities are pastorally accompanied.
The mission of the Society of Jesus in the Dominican Republic is characterized by its diversity and its commitment to faith that promotes justice, in service to the Church and the integral development of society.
