brothers

In the beginning, the original Companions in the Society of Jesus were men of many talents who sought to bring souls closer to God, but they were unprepared to make their own meals or clothing, let alone build schools. Six years after the founding of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius Loyola petitioned the pope to allow the admission of lay co-adjutors, known more commonly as brothers. His request was approved, and brothers began to build the Society.