Memorial: July 31
Born: 1491
Died: 1556
Lived: Spain/France/Rome
Occupation: In his early life he was a soldier.
Best Known For: Founding the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.
Interesting Facts:
+In 1521, St. Ignatius’s leg was wounded by a cannon ball, while he heroically defended Pamplona, Spain from a French siege. During his recovery he had time to read, and came across books on Christ and the Saints. This inspired him to quit his military career and dedicate his life to Christ.
+St. Ignatius created a method of spirituality that has come to be known as the Ingatian Spiritual Exercises. It relied on using the imagination to contemplate scenes of the Bible. While meditating, one would imagine themselves as a participant in the action. For example, you could be a member of the crowd as Jesus passes by caring His Cross. Try to see, hear, smell and touch everything as a member of the crowd. The more detailed the image, the more you will get out of the exercise.
Patron Saint Of: Jesuits, Soldiers
Author Of: Spiritual Exercises
Association with Other Saints: Francis Xavier
Websites: http://en.ignatianwiki.org/St._Ignatius_of_Loyola