St. Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish saint, is commemorated on July 31st by the Universal Church. He is renowned for founding the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, in 1540. One of St. Ignatius' notable contributions is the development of the "Spiritual Exercises" which have become widely used not only by Jesuits but also by individuals from various backgrounds seeking to deepen their relationship with God and make important life choices.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, originally named Inigo Lopez de Loyola, was born into a noble family in Guipuzcoa, Spain, in 1491. He was the youngest of thirteen children. Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was just seven years old. Following his mother's death, Ignatius was raised by Maria de Garin, who was the wife of a local blacksmith.
At the age of sixteen, Ignatius embarked on a brief period of employment under Juan Velazquez, the treasurer of Castile. However, his career took a significant turn when he turned eighteen and decided to become a soldier. Ignatius joined the military and served as a soldier under Antonio Manrique de Lara, the Duke of Nájera and Viceroy of Navarre.
Ignatius of Loyola fought in numerous battles under the leadership of the Duke of Najera. He demonstrated remarkable skill in warfare and had a knack for emerging unharmed, which earned him promotions and the command of his troops.
However, during the defense of Pamplona in 1521 against a French attack, Ignatius suffered a severe injury. He was struck by a cannonball, which caused significant damage to his legs. While one leg was broken, the other was badly mangled. To save his life and attempt to repair his legs, Ignatius underwent multiple surgeries.
Despite the efforts of the doctors, Ignatius' condition worsened over time. After enduring a month of suffering, his doctors informed him that he should prepare for the possibility of death. Ignatius of Loyola experienced a significant improvement in his health on June 29, 1521, the exact day of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. When he was strong enough to handle it, a portion of one leg was amputated, which, though painful, sped up his rehabilitation.
During Ignatius of Loyola's period of bodily improvement, he immersed himself in reading books that were available to him. Many of these books focused on the lives of the saints and the life of Christ. These readings had a deep impact on him, inspiring a newfound devotion and a growing desire to dedicate himself to the Catholic faith. He developed a strong desire to serve as a working servant of Christ, committing himself to the mission of spreading the Catholic faith and converting non-Christians.
After making a profound general confession in a monastery in Montserrat, Ignatius devoted nearly a year to solitude. During this period of seclusion, Ignatius wrote his famous spiritual work, "Spiritual Exercises." These exercises provide a structured framework for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual lives and discern God's will.
After completing the "Spiritual Exercises," Ignatius embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land. During his journey, he worked to convert non-Christians and spread the teachings of Catholicism.
St. Ignatius of Loyola returned to Spain and then France, where he obtained a theology degree. Although he was despised by many because of his pious lifestyle, the Society of Jesus was founded as a result of some of his followers being drawn to his nobility and wisdom.
In 1540, St. Ignatius' efforts culminated in the approval of the Society of Jesus by Pope Paul III. The Society, commonly known as the Jesuits, was established with the mission to serve the Church and society through education, missionary work, and spiritual guidance.
St. Ignatius played a pivotal role in governing the Society from Rome, serving as its first Superior General. During his time in Rome, he formed a close friendship with another prominent saint, St. Philip Neri.
The Society of Jesus, under the leadership of St. Ignatius of Loyola, found great success and influence in the field of education. Before Ignatius died in 1556, the Jesuit order established numerous schools, reaching a total of 35, and boasted a membership of approximately 1,000 individuals. The Jesuits played a crucial role in halting the spread of Protestantism and reclaiming lost Catholic territories. The Society promoted using reason to convince others and dissuade heresy.
Today, the Jesuits continue to be widely recognized for their significant contributions to the field of education. They have established numerous schools and universities worldwide, carrying on the tradition of providing quality education rooted in the Jesuit spirit and values. The Jesuits also carry out a variety of other significant tasks all across the world.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, passed away on July 31, 1556, at the age of 64. Pope Paul V beatified Ignatius on July 27, 1609, and he was later canonized on March 12, 1622. He is revered as the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education.
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