The Universal Church celebrates St. Ignatius of Loyola's feast day on July 31. The Spanish saint is renowned for having founded the Jesuits, commonly known as the Society of Jesus, and for establishing the "Spiritual Exercises," which are still frequently used for retreats and personal reflection.

In 1491, St. Ignatius was born in Guipuzcoa, Spain, into a rich family. He worked as a page in Ferdinand and Isabella's Spanish court.

After that, he enlisted in the Spanish army and sustained a leg wound in 1521 at the siege of Pamplona. While recovering, he studied "Lives of the Saints." He had a deep conversion as a result of the encounter, and he committed himself to the Catholic faith.

St. Ignatius spent nearly a year in seclusion following his general confession at a Montserrat monastery. After penning his well-known "Spiritual Exercises," he traveled to Rome and the Holy Land to try and convert Muslims.

After completing his studies in Spain, St. Ignatius returned to France to earn his degree in theology. Because of his holy lifestyle, he was despised by many, but his virtue and knowledge drew some disciples, and the Society of Jesus was established.

After Pope Paul III gave the Society his blessing in 1540, it expanded quickly. Remaining in Rome, St. Ignatius oversaw the Society and forged a friendship with St. Philip Neri.

On July 31, 1556, St. Ignatius passed away quietly. He was beatified by Pope Paul V on 27 July 1609 and Pope Gregory XV canonized him on 12 March 1622. He is revered as the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Calimerius
Saint Emmanuel Phung
Saint Justin de Jacobis
Saint Firmus of Tagaste
Saint Helen of Skovde