The Jesuit presence in Australia began in 1848 with the establishment of a Mission in South Australia by the Austrian Jesuits. Thus began a rich Jesuit mission history among the people of this continent. By 1951 the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus was in a position to send Australian and New Zealand Jesuits on mission to Bihar State in India.

These Jesuits were 'missioned' not only by the Society of Jesus but also by the communities from which they came: family, friends, parish, schools and so on. These communities were called upon to share in the mission in various ways and over time their circle widened to include many other people.

Today, Jesuit Mission contributes to the building of human communities of freedom, dignity and understanding in developing countries. Through all the ways that we live out our faith and especially through our support for those who are sent out with good news Jesuit Mission friends support the distinctive contribution that Jesuits make.

We promote work for poverty alleviation in the developing world and the establishment and ongoing development of the Society of Jesus in areas of great need.

The people who make up Jesuit Mission form a community of 'Friends in the Lord'. There are thousands of such friends of Jesuit Mission in Australia and New Zealand.