St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius was born in 1491 at Loyola in the Basque area of Northern Spain. He spent his early years as a courtier and soldier. After his conversion, he undertook theological studies at Paris where he attracted his first followers, and afterward at Rome he forged this group into the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. He and his followers had enormous influence on the preservation and growth of Catholic Faith during Ignatius’ lifetime and succeeding centuries. Ignatius, who died in Rome in 1556, is best known for his Spiritual Exercises and his theology of the discernment of spirits. His liturgical memorial falls on July 31 in the Roman calendar. Biography by Dr. Italy