St. Ignatius Loyola

St. Ignatius was born in 1491, in the family castle in Guipuzcoa, Spain. He was the youngest of 13 children, and was called Inigo. When he was old enough, he became a page, and then a soldier of Spain to fight against the French. A cannon ball and a series of bad operations ended his military career in 1521.

While St. Ignatius recovered, he read the lives of the saints, and decided to dedicate himself to becoming a soldier of the Catholic Faith. Soon after, he experienced visions, but a year later suffered a trial of fears and scruples, driving him almost to despair. Out of this experience he wrote his famous "Spiritual Exercises." He attracted several followers, including St. Francis Xavier, and soon started his order called The Society of Jesus,or Jesuits.

Ignatius died at the age of 65. He is a patron of soldiers. His Feast Day is July 31.