St. Ignatius of Loyola
Basque founder of the Society of Jesus (1491-1556), career soldier wounded at the siege of Pamplona (1521) whose convalescence reading the lives of the saints brought conversion; produced the "Spiritual Exercises" at Manresa, studied at Paris where he gathered the original Companions. The Society was approved by Paul III in 1540 and Ignatius served as first General until his death. Canonized 1622 by Gregory XV.
Life & Times
Born: 1491 · Died: 31 July 1556 · From: Spain / Italy.
Patronage
St. Ignatius of Loyola is invoked as the patron of jesuits, spiritual exercises, retreats, soldiers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Ad maiorem Dei gloriam — For the greater glory of God.”— Motto of the Society of Jesus, used throughout his Spiritual Exercises and Constitutions (1540s)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Ignatius of Loyola, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.