St.Ignatius of Loyola

Spanish nobility.
Youngest of 12 children.
Court page.
Military education. Soldier.
Wounded in the leg by a cannonball at the siege of Pampeluna on 20 May 1521, an injury that
left him partially crippled for life.
During his recuperation the only books he had access to were The Golden Legend (concerning
Saint George), and the Life of Christ by Ludolph the Carthusian. These books, and the time spent in contemplation, changed him.

On his recovery he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the altar of the Virgin of Montserrat, and donned a pilgrim's robes. Lived in a cave from 1522-23. Journeyed to Rome and the Holy Land where he worked to convert Muslims.

Studied theology at Alcala and Paris, receiving his degree on 14 March 1534.

His meditations, prayers, visions and insights led to forming the Constitutions of the Society of
Jesus (Jesuits) on 15 August 1534. He travelled Europe and the Holy Lands, then settled in  Rome to direct the Jesuits.
His health suffered in later years, and he was nearly blind at death.

Died on 31 July 1556 in Rome
Beatified in 1609 by Pope Paul V
Canonized on 22 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV