The founder of the Society of Jesus.
Born in 1491, at Azpeitia, Spain, Ignatius belonged to the lesser nobility and experienced the distractions of court life. At the age of 31, in the defence of Pamplona, his legs were shattered by a cannon ball. During the months of painful convalescence he dreamed anew and found a new Master, Christ who reigns from the Cross. He rose from his sick bed and prayed to Mary to bless his desire to serve her son. A cave in nearby Manresa saw him "doing battle with the devil". His Manresa experiences are the source of his most famous writings, the Spiritual Exercises.

Later during his studies at the University of Paris (1528-1535) he formed a group of like-minded young men among whom was Francis Xavier, and inspired them to give their lives for the service of God. They called themselves " The Society (or Company) of Jesus ", and received approval from the Pope. Ignatius composed the Constitutions, was duly elected Superior General. Ignatius spent his years guiding not only his own men but also men and women in the highest positions (including the emperor, Charles V), to holiness and the service of God.

This great saint - brave, courageous, gentle of heart, master of spiritual discernment, servant of the Church - died at Rome on July 31, 1556.