A close reading of the foundational texts of the following lgnatian religious communities: the Society of Jesus, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Faithful Companions of Jesus, and the Xavieres Missionaries of Christ Jesus. Through a comparative study of constitutions, spiritual writings of the founders and their correspondece, we will bring to light key elements that characterize the ignatian theology of religious life: understanding of mission and ministry; purpose and structures of community living; theology of governance; theology of the vows; anthropology and soteriology; understanding of Christ and of God. Methodological questions of historical and cultural context, exegesis, and theological interpretation of spiritual and canonical texts will also be addressed.