History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration Season 1 Episode 13 The Jesuits on a Global Mission

The episode titled "The Jesuits on a Global Mission" is the thirteenth and final installment of the first season of History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration. The series focuses on pivotal moments and figures in the history of human exploration, and in this episode, the spotlight is turned on the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. The Jesuits were a prominent Catholic order known for their intellectualism, discipline, and devotion to spreading the faith through education and missionary work.

The episode opens with a brief history of the Jesuits. Founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits quickly gained a reputation as highly educated and skilled leaders in society. They were particularly successful in spreading the Catholic faith throughout Europe, even during periods of great upheaval such as the Protestant Reformation. However, it was in the realm of global exploration and missionary work that the Jesuits truly made their mark.

The episode then takes us on a journey across the world, as we follow Jesuit missionaries to various far-flung destinations. We first visit Japan in the late 16th century, where Jesuits such as St. Francis Xavier and Alessandro Valignano worked to establish a foothold for the Catholic faith. The Jesuits initially enjoyed success in Japan, converting numerous people and gaining the favor of powerful feudal lords. However, their good fortunes were short-lived, as various political and cultural factors conspired to turn Japan against the Jesuits, ultimately resulting in their expulsion from the country.

Next, we travel to China, where the Jesuits were some of the first Westerners to gain access to the highly secretive court of the Emperor. The Jesuits were able to greatly impress the Chinese with their knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences, and some of them were even appointed as official advisors to the Emperor. However, tensions arose over various theological issues, and the Jesuits became embroiled in complex political intrigue at the imperial court. Ultimately, the Jesuits were forced to leave China after the collapse of the Ming dynasty.

The episode then takes us to the Americas, where the Jesuits were instrumental in spreading Catholicism to the native populations. We learn about the exploits of figures such as St. Peter Claver, who worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of enslaved Africans in South America, and St. Isaac Jogues, who suffered persecution and even death at the hands of Native American tribes in what is now upstate New York. Through these stories, we see the Jesuits' enduring commitment to social justice and their willingness to work tirelessly in the face of great difficulties.

Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of the Jesuits' lasting legacy. We learn about the various educational institutions and other organizations that the Jesuits founded, and how their intellectual and spiritual influence continues to shape the world today. We also hear from various experts and scholars who share their thoughts on the Jesuits' unique place in the history of exploration and missionary work.

Overall, "The Jesuits on a Global Mission" is a fascinating look at one of the most important and influential religious orders in human history. Through their travels and works, the Jesuits left an indelible mark on the world and helped to shape the course of human progress. The episode is a fitting end to a season that has celebrated the spirit of discovery and human curiosity, and it leaves the viewer with a deeper appreciation for the rich, complex tapestry of our global history.