Saint Ignatius Of Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a local Basque noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. Ignatius emerged as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation. Loyola's devotion to the Catholic Church was characterized by absolute obedience to the Pope.

After being seriously wounded in the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, he underwent a spiritual conversion while in recovery. De Vita Christi by Ludolph of Saxony inspired Loyola to abandon his previous military life and devote himself to labour for God, following the example of spiritual leaders such as Francis of Assisi. In September 1523, Loyola reached the Holy Land to settle there, but was sent back to Europe by the Franciscans.

Ignatius and a few followers bound themselves by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. In 1539, they formed the Society of Jesus, approved in 1540 by Pope Paul III, as well as his Spiritual Exercises approved in 1548. Loyola also composed the Constitutions of the Society. He died in July 1556, was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1609, canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, and declared patron of all spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922. Ignatius' feast day is celebrated on July 31. Ignatius is a foremost patron saint of soldiers, the Society of Jesus, the Basque Country, and the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Biscay.

St. Ignatius lived a very amazing life, from his career as a soldier and as a priest through his conversion and life as a priest. Ignatius never truly stopped being a soldier. He just instead of fighting for the kingdom of the Spanish king he fought for the kingdom of God. He swears allegiance to the King's representatives in the world, the pope. The Jesuits are the only religious group in the world who swore allegiance to the pope. He is an incredible role model for Jesuits and non-Jesuits alike.