For 460 years the fathers and brothers of the Society of Jesus have given the Church a brand new and distinctive form of service, leaving in their wake a trail of moving stories, keeping the flame of the gospel message burning.

　　 We are the Jesuits. We acknowledge that we are just ordinary men and sinners, but by the grace of God, inspired by our common experience of the Spiritual Exercises, we have been chosen like St. Ignatius to be both servants and partners of Christ in His mission as members of a Religious Community. The Jesuits participate in the mission of the Church by proclaiming the gospel of Christ for the salvation of souls and the promotion of justice and true Christian values.

　　From the small handful of original members the Society of Jesus now numbers 20,000 spread over five continents. Its one aim is “to be men in search of and promoting the will of God”. Whether on mountaintop or seashore, in church or classroom or on media screen, as preachers, doctors, students, artists, you are likely to find them, but you still won’t know them.

　　In this module we want to little by little introduce you to some Jesuits. We hope that by knowing them better and understanding their mission, you may come to realize better what the Society of Jesus is. We want to emphasize that every Jesuit is an important member, whether known or unknown, he has been called by God. Our point is not to show off any one individual, but to give a few examples to help you enter into and understand the world of our Society.

Fr. Murphy was the first Jesuit to come to Taiwan. The following poem-like description of his life is really just a reflection of what every Jesuit aspires to be. A nurturer, a pioneer, A builder, a guiding hand .
To those who follow him
To preach, to teach
To do good works
For young or old, Rich or poor
Work days and holidays
From dawn to dusk
Alone or surrounded by others,
From beginning to end
In response to God’s call
Spending life in love with God
Loving all who cross his path
Sharing the same ideals
Of all brother Jesuits
The same responsibilities before God
The same duties for the Church
To extend the Kingdom of God
Truly a Man for Others
Fulfilled by others’ love for him
A humble servant of Christ
His deepest hope and pray
“Lord, may doing your will
Always be for me
The source of my consolation.
I love you and offer myself
To care for your sheep

Fr. Franz Burkhardt, S.J.
Keeping his love forever young. Fr. Burkhardt said : 　　 “…I am very happy to live and die in this wonderful Taiwan…” To quote Mr. Li Chia Tung: 　　 “Fr. Burkhardt was more than just a missionary spreading the faith, he was a sewer of love, bringing the love of Christ to everyone.”

At the age of 95 he continues to live in the midst of the sheep he serves.

　　This priest who “nurtured by caring love of God has given himself to a life of loving others” sees every child as an embodiment of Christ Himself.

　　As he said “I believe that every individual can be taught. We just have to learn how to teach them.” This is the motivation that encouraged him to energetically investigate how to teach and train children with limited mental capacity so that their intelligence can be developed as far as possible so that they like “ordinary” people can lead normal lives.