ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, MEMORIAL, FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, JULY 31, 2026
- Olivia M. Bannan
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born Íñigo López de Loyola in 1491 in the Basque region of Spain. As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a famous knight and sought honor through military service. In the service of soldiers he lived a life of gambling, fighting, and womanizing.
His life changed dramatically in 1521 when he was seriously wounded by a cannonball with one leg shattered and the other badly damaged during the Battle of Pamplona. He underwent painful surgeries, including having his bones re-broken and reset to fix a protruding bone.
Recovering in his family estate, he was confined to bedrest, so he read the only books available which were religious books on the life of Christ and the lives of the saints.
After his recovery, Ignatius spent time in prayer and penance at Manresa, where he experienced profound spiritual insights. During this period he began writing what would later become the Spiritual Exercises, a guide for prayer, discernment, and growing closer to God. The Ignatian spirituality continues to influence Christians around the world.
Ignatius then studied in Spain and later at the University of Paris. There he gathered a small group of companions, including Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Peter Faber.
In 1540, Pope Paul III officially approved the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. As its founder and first Superior General, Ignatius emphasized:
Loving and serving God in all things.
Obedience to Christ and the Church.
Excellence in education.
Missionary work and evangelization.
Discernment of God's will through prayer.
He helped establish schools, colleges, and missions throughout the world.
St. Ignatius died on July 31, 1556, in Rome. He was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.
Today he is honored as one of the Church's greatest spiritual masters, and his Spiritual Exercises continue to help millions deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, reflection, and discernment.
St. Ignatius taught that holiness is found not only in churches and monasteries but in everyday life. His well-known principle, "finding God in all things," encourages Christians to seek God's presence in their work, relationships, decisions, and daily responsibilities. His motto, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG)—"For the Greater Glory of God"—remains the guiding spirit of the Jesuit order.
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