St. Ignatius, his life as a soldier, his amazing conversion from a sinner to a saint, his tremendous influence in the history of the Church, and his impact in the world by forming a large body of the men, called the Jesuits.
At one time, there were 36 thousand Jesuits, all spread out in about every part of the world, doing everything for God and man. Today, they are found in all walks of life, in almost every conceivable profession, from a high-tech scientist who is studying the behavior of fish, to a circus clown who is entertaining people, all for the greater glory of God. These characteristics are part of Ignatian spirituality.
What would be the significance of St. Ignatius for us today? Does he have a message for us in our contemporary world? This author believes that what is important is St. Ignatius for all of us in not so much his greatness and influence in the world, but his love for God and his service for his fellowmen.
The Ignatian’s battle cry in ‘Set the World ablaze’, “IGNITE”!
Important dates in the life of St. Ignatius
1491
Birth
1521
injured in defense of Pamplona against the French (turning point in his life)
1522
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of our Lady of Monstserrat
1540
Paul III Confirmed the foundation of the “Company of Jesus”
1556
died and buried in Rome
1609
his beatification by Pope Paul V
1622
Canonization by Pope Gregory XV
St. Ignatius of Loyola is the patron saint of the military and Spiritual Exercises.