Back to Saints
July 31 · 1491–1556
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Father of the Spiritual Exercises
“It is not much knowledge that fills and satisfies the soul, but the intimate understanding and thorough knowledge of the truth.”
Biography
A Basque soldier turned mystic, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and composed the Spiritual Exercises. His method of discernment and finding God in all things transformed Catholic spirituality and education worldwide.
Patronage
- — Spiritual exercises
- — Soldiers
- — Educators
- — Retreats
Virtues
- — Discernment
- — Obedience
- — Generosity
- — Detachment
- — Love
Spirituality
jesuit Tradition