SAINT: St Ignatius of Loyola – 31 July
By Catherine Sheehan
The spiritual conversion of St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Jesuits, proves the life-changing power of reading a good book at the right time.
Ignatius was born in a castle in Loyola, in the Basque region of Spain, the youngest of 13 children to parents Don Beltrán and Doña María. As a young man he loved stories of knights and chivalry and enjoyed dancing, fencing, gambling, and romancing young ladies.
He joined the army at age 17 and fought in many battles. In 1521 at the Battle of Pamplona his right left was hit by a cannon ball and severely fractured. This was the end of Ignatius’ military career, and he returned home to Loyola. He underwent surgery on his leg and had to spend a significant amount of time recovering in bed.
It was during his convalescence that his sister-in-law lent him some books to read. He had requested books about chivalry but instead she gave him a book on the life of Christ, as well as stories of the saints. Reading these books dramatically changed the trajectory of Ignatius’ life.
He underwent a major spiritual conversion, deciding to give his entire life to God. He visited the Benedictine Monastery in Monserrat where he spent time in prayer, confessed his sins, and gave all his clothes to the poor. As a sign he had given up the life of a soldier, he left his sword on an altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
He also began writing his famous work, the Spiritual Exercises, a handbook on the spiritual life.
Ignatius studied theology at the University of Paris where he became friends with six other young men who became his closest companions, including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber, both of whom became saints. This group of young men became the first Jesuits.
Ignatius was ordained a priest in 1538 and celebrated his first Mass in the Church of St Mary Major in Rome.
Along with Francis Xavier and Peter Faber, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1539, and the order was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540. Taking the usual religious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, the Jesuits also take a fourth vow of obedience to the Pope. Ignatius was elected he first Superior General and he remained living in Rome for the rest of his life.
The order grew rapidly, with schools and churches established throughout Europe and missionaries working in countries around the world. In a letter to Francis Xavier who was about to travel to India as a missionary, Ignatius wrote, “Go, set the world on fire.”
Today there are 16,000 Jesuits worldwide.
Ignatius died in Rome on 31 July 1556 at the age of 64. His remains are buried in the Church of the Gesù in Rome. He is patron saint of education, soldiers, retreats, and the Society of Jesus.