Quick Facts
Ad majorem Dei gloriam": Founded Jesuits, ignited Counter-Reformation, forged spiritual exercises.
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Life Journey
Ignatius of Loyola was born to Don Beltrán Yáñez de Oñaz y Loyola and Marina Saenz de Licona y Balda in the Basque Country, Spain.
At the age of 18, Ignatius begins his military career, serving as a soldier and page for the Duke of Nájera and Viceroy of Navarre.
Ignatius is seriously wounded by a cannonball at the Battle of Pamplona, leading to a long and painful recovery period.
During his recovery, Ignatius reads religious books and experiences a profound spiritual conversion, leading him to dedicate his life to God.
Ignatius makes a pilgrimage to the monastery of Montserrat, where he donates his fine clothes and arms, and spends a night in vigil.
He spends a year in retreat at Manresa, where he writes the Spiritual Exercises, a guide for spiritual development and meditation.
Ignatius travels to Jerusalem, intending to convert Muslims, but is persuaded to return to Europe to further his education.
Returning to Spain, Ignatius begins his formal studies in grammar, Latin, and philosophy at the College of Montaigu in Barcelona.
Ignatius moves to Alcalá to continue his studies, where he gathers a group of followers and is briefly imprisoned by the Inquisition.
Ignatius travels to Paris to study at the Collège Sainte-Barbe, where he meets and influences future Jesuits, including Francis Xavier.
Ignatius and six companions, including Francis Xavier, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and form the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Ignatius is ordained as a priest in Venice, along with his companions, marking the formal beginning of their missionary work.
Pope Paul III formally approves the Society of Jesus, granting it papal recognition and allowing it to expand its missionary and educational activities.
Ignatius publishes the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, which outline the order's structure, mission, and spiritual practices.
Ignatius of Loyola dies in Rome, having established the Society of Jesus as a significant force in the Counter-Reformation and global missionary efforts.