Saints in Rome & Beyond!: St Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose full name was Iñigo López de Loyola, was born in Spain in 1491. 

  1. Early Life: As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a great knight and fought bravely in battles. However, during a battle in 1521, Ignatius was seriously injured by a cannonball. 
  2. Introduction to Jesus: While recovering, he read books about the life of Jesus and saints. This led him to change his life and become a follower of Jesus.
  3. The Jesuits: Ignatius decided to study and learn more about God and the Church. He eventually founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in 1540. The Jesuits are known for their dedication to education, helping others, and spreading the teachings of Jesus around the world. 
  4. Spreading the Message: St. Ignatius wrote a special book called the “Spiritual Exercises,” which helps people grow closer to God through prayer and reflection.
  5. Feast Day: St. Ignatius of Loyola’s feast day is celebrated on July 26th. He is remembered as a wise and kind person who dedicated his life to serving God and helping others. 

His legacy continues to inspire people of all ages to live with faith, compassion, and a desire to make the world a better place.

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