Chiesa del Gesú
16 Via degli Astalli Roma
Mother church of the Society of Jesus. Tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola & Relics of St. Francis Xavier
The Church of the Gesù, the mother church of the Society of Jesus, stands as the epitome of Baroque art and devotion. Built in 1568, it embodies the spiritual and artistic response of the Jesuits to the Protestant Reformation, designed to inspire faith through grandeur.
The high ceilings, adorned with golden arches and intricate carvings, lead the eye toward the opening of the heavens, where angels twirl and sing, surrounded by billowing clouds and radiant beams of light. The ceiling fresco, a masterpiece of illusion and movement, invites the faithful to contemplate the glory of God and the triumph of the Church.
At the heart of the basilica lies the tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, enshrined in a magnificent altar reflecting his legacy of spiritual discipline and missionary zeal. The church also holds the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the great Jesuit missionary, who carried the Gospel across Asia.
A place of prayer and artistic wonder, Chiesa del Gesù remains a center of Jesuit spirituality, where the beauty of Baroque art meets the profound devotion of the Society of Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Within the sacred walls of the Church of the Gesù, we stand in awe of Your majesty revealed through art and devotion. As the golden arches and celestial frescoes draw our gaze heavenward, may our hearts rise to You in worship and wonder.
At the tomb of St. Ignatius, we seek his intercession for the grace to live with the same spiritual fervor and missionary zeal. In the presence of St. Francis Xavier's relics, inspire us to carry Your Gospel with courage and love.
May this holy place, a testament to faith and beauty, deepen our devotion and strengthen our resolve to glorify You in all things. Unite us in the Spirit of the Society of Jesus, committed to serving Your greater glory.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Built atop the site of a former temple dedicated to Minerva, this Basilica stands as one of Rome's two Gothic churches and one of the oldest homes of the Order of Preachers. It is renowned for being the resting place of Saint Catherine of Siena.
See Also:
Rome Highlights - Self Guided Tour
Rome, the Eternal City. With thousands of years worth of history, deciding between hundreds of churches can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, it is absolutely possible to get a taste of Rome in just a few days. The EWTN Travel team picked 15 top spots around the city. In the video, we show you how you can see them all in three days. Let’s get started.
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