Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491 - 1556) founder of the Society of Jesus - the Jesuits

Ignatius was a Spanish nobleman and soldier from Loyola.

Whilst recovering from a leg wound in 1521, he decided to become Christ's 'soldier' instead of being a warrior. He hung up his sword on the altar of a church to show that he was not going to fight in wars any more. After a year of prayer and meditation at Manresa Monastery, he wrote a handbook of 'Spiritual Exercises', a month-long programme of meditations, prayers, considerations, and contemplative practices that continue to help Catholics to think about their relationship with God and other people. With six friends, Ignatius began an order of Catholic priests called The Society of Jesus in 1534. He died in 1556 and is buried in Il Gesu in Rome, the mother church of the Society of Jesus.

"Teach us, Good Lord, to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to ask for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward save knowing that we do your will. Through Jesus Christ our Lord."
(Prayer of St. Ignatius)

Jesuit priests continue to work as missionaries in many countries of the world. They also run about 4,000 schools, including 18 universities in the United States.

St. Ignatius is remembered on 31st July.