St. Ignatius of Loyola
Feast day: July 31
Born in his family’s castle in Spain, Ignatius served as a page in the Spanish court. He then joined the army and was wounded in battle. While convalescing, Ignatius had a personal conversion that was sparked by his reading of the life of Christ and the saints. He began work on his masterpiece, “Spiritual Exercises,” during this time. Ignatius made a retreat at Manresa and then journeyed to Jerusalem before returning to Spain. He studied for 10 years in Barcelona and Paris. Along with a group of followers, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. He died in 1556 and was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. He is patron of soldiers and retreats.
Prayer
O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church
to further the greater glory of your name,
grant that by his help we may imitate him
in fighting the good fight on earth
and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
