Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) is one of the most remarkable figures in the history of the Catholic Church. Founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and author of the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius transformed his life from worldly ambitions into a spiritual mission that continues to inspire millions.
His journey, marked by a dramatic conversion, intense studies, and tireless dedication, reflects the power of faith and discernment. In this article, we delve into Ignatius’ life, work, and legacy, exploring his childhood, ordination, death, and the reasons that led him to become a priest, along with fascinating anecdotes about his journey.
Childhood and Youth: The Dream of Worldly Glory
Born on 23 October 1491, in the castle of Loyola in Azpeitia, in the Basque province of Guipúzcoa, Spain, Íñigo López de Loyola (Ignatius’ baptismal name) was the youngest of 13 children in a noble family. His childhood was shaped by an aristocratic environment, with an education focused on chivalry, fencing, and courtly etiquette. After his mother’s death when he was about seven years old, Ignatius was raised by the wife of a local blacksmith, an experience that instilled simplicity in him despite his noble origins.
At the age of 16, Ignatius was sent to the court of Juan Velázquez de Cuéllar, treasurer of the Kingdom of Castile, where he served as a page. There, he became enamoured with courtly life, dreaming of heroic feats inspired by the chivalric romances he avidly read, such as the tales of King Arthur. His youth was marked by vanity and a desire for military glory, which led him to become a soldier. However, a traumatic event would alter the course of his life.
The Conversion: From Soldier to Pilgrim
In 1521, during the Battle of Pamplona, Ignatius was severely injured by a cannonball that shattered his legs. During months of recovery, he faced not only physical pain but also an existential crisis. Deprived of the chivalric romances he loved, Ignatius was given two books that would change his life: The Life of Christ by Ludolph of Saxony and Flos Sanctorum, a collection of saints’ lives. These readings ignited in him a fervent desire to emulate the saints, such as Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Dominic.
This was the turning point. Ignatius resolved to abandon his worldly ambitions and dedicate himself to God. After his recovery, he made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Montserrat, where he exchanged his noble attire for a beggar’s rags and began living as a hermit in Manresa. There, in a cave, he experienced mystical visions and developed the foundations of the Spiritual Exercises, a guide to prayer and discernment that would become his masterpiece.
The Path to Priesthood: Studies and Dedication
Ignatius’ decision to become a priest was not immediate but the result of a long process of discernment. He believed that to serve God and help souls, he needed a solid education. Thus, he embarked on an academic journey that took him to several cities:
- Barcelona (1524–1526): He began his basic studies, learning Latin at the age of 33, which was unusual for the time.
- Alcalá and Salamanca (1526–1528): He studied theology but faced suspicion from the Inquisition due to his spiritual practices.
- Paris (1528–1535): At the University of Paris, Ignatius deepened his knowledge of philosophy and theology, where he met his first companions, such as Saint Francis Xavier and Peter Faber.
In 1537, at the age of 46, Ignatius was ordained a priest in Venice, alongside his companions. He celebrated his first Mass on Christmas Day 1538, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, marking the beginning of his priestly mission.
The Foundation of the Society of Jesus
In 1540, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, approved by Pope Paul III. The order, characterised by obedience to the Pope, academic excellence, and evangelising missions, became a powerful force in the Counter-Reformation, combating Protestantism and spreading the Catholic faith worldwide. Ignatius led the Jesuits with a blend of profound spirituality and practical organisation, establishing colleges, missions, and spiritual retreats.
One of Ignatius’ most significant experiences occurred in 1537, during the vision of La Storta, when he saw Jesus carrying the cross and heard the words: “Ego vobis Romae propitius ero” (“I will be favourable to you in Rome”). This vision confirmed his mission to establish the Society of Jesus in Rome, where he spent his final years.
Death and Canonisation
Ignatius died on 31 July 1556 in Rome, at the age of 64, from chronic health issues, likely related to gallstones and fever. He passed away in the Casa Professa, the Jesuit headquarters, and his body was buried in the Church of the Gesù in Rome, where it remains to this day.
On 12 March 1622, Ignatius was canonised by Pope Gregory XV, alongside Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Teresa of Ávila, and Saint Philip Neri. His liturgical feast is celebrated on 31 July, and he is considered the patron saint of soldiers, spiritual retreats, and his homeland, Guipúzcoa.
Why Did Ignatius Choose the Priesthood?
Ignatius’ choice of the priesthood was driven by his conversion in Pamplona. The spiritual texts he read during his recovery led him to question the emptiness of his previous life, filled with vanity and ambition. Inspired by the saints, he felt a calling to serve Christ as his “King” and dedicate himself to the salvation of souls. His experience in Manresa, where he developed the Spiritual Exercises, reinforced his vocation to guide others on the path of faith, which required education and priestly ordination.
Anecdotes about Saint Ignatius
- Youthful Vanity: Even after his injury in Pamplona, Ignatius, still vain, underwent painful surgery to correct the appearance of his leg, which was shortened by the cannonball.
- Spiritual Exercises: His masterpiece is still used in spiritual retreats today, helping people discern God’s will through prayer and imaginative meditation.
- Discipline and Humility: Despite his military background, Ignatius was known for his humility, often performing simple tasks such as cooking for his companions.
- Global Impact: Under his leadership, the Jesuits founded schools and missions in places as distant as Japan, India, and the Americas, shaping education and evangelisation.
- Lasting Legacy: The Society of Jesus remains active, with over 16,000 members worldwide, and the Spiritual Exercises are practised by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Conclusion
Saint Ignatius of Loyola is a testament to transformation and purpose. From a vain soldier to a saint who changed the history of the Church, his life demonstrates how faith and determination can redirect a heart towards a greater mission. Whether through the Spiritual Exercises or the Society of Jesus, Ignatius’ legacy endures, inspiring people to seek God in all things.
References
- O’Malley, John W. The First Jesuits. Harvard University Press, 1993.
- Dalmases, Cándido de. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Jesuits: His Life and Work. St. Louis: Institute of Jesuit Sources, 1985.
- Society of Jesus website: www.jesuits.global (accessed August 2025).
- Catholic Encyclopedia: “St. Ignatius of Loyola.” New Advent. www.newadvent.org (accessed August 2025).
- Vatican News: “Saint Ignatius of Loyola: The Founder of the Jesuits”. www.vaticannews.va (accessed August 2025).