The story of Ignatius of Loyola is a real life story of romance and chivalry and a miracle of human will, strengthened by divine grace. Ignatius was a vain, ambitious soldier of an earthly king, who having been converted became a mighty soldier of Christ.
He was born on 24th of December 1491, the youngest of twelve children. At an early age he was sent to the court of Ferdinand and Isabella to be their royal page. As a courtier, Ignatius grew into a romantic lover of beauty, poetry and letters, and as a soldier he gave proof of chivalry and courage.
The hour of grace came to Ignatius when the French troops invaded Pamplona.While defending this town he was wounded on the leg. Following the operation of the leg he fell into a serious illness, and fortunately escaped death. While convalescing he read two books titled 'The Life of Christ' and 'The Flowers of the Saints'. This created in him that great desire of following the footsteps of the saints and of becoming the Knight of Christ. As soon as he regained his health Ignatius left home on a pilgrimage with the determination to serve Christ and the Virgin Mary. He then began a life of poverty but soon abandoned this life for he discovered for himself that the acceptance of the Lord is total, the forgiveness of the Lord is free, not bought with self-inflicted penance. The fruits of his mediation laid the foundation for his 'Spiritual Exercises'. At the age of thirty three he entered a University to study Latin with the intention of becoming a priest.
He continued giving the 'Spiritual Exercises' during this time of study to those who came in contact with him. He was imprisoned for teaching religion before completion of the required training. Ignatius moved from Spain to the freer atmosphere of Paris and its Montaign College. There he gathered about him young men whom he fired with enthusiasm to serve the Lord. Ignatius and his companions feeling that they would be more effective together than apart, formed the Society of Jesus with the blessings of Pope Paul III. He was absolutely convinced that we should do everything for the glory of God. Hence, he and his followers dedicated themselves to teaching, to preaching the word of God, to working with the poor and the sick in the slums of the cities of Europe, and to travelling to far flung destinations, to teach Christ to people in unknown lands. Ignatius of Loyola died on 31st July at the age of 65.
