The soldier turned spiritual leader and founder of the Jesuits

Today we celebrate Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556). He spent years living at court, dreaming of chivalrous glory. But the forced period of recovery following a war wound became a providential opportunity to read calmly about the life of Jesus Christ and the lives of several saints. This “awakened” his spirit: “What if I were to do the same as Saint Francis or Saint Dominic?” he began to ask himself. —Saint Ignatius, letting go of possessions and dreams, began to devote himself to a life of prayer and service to others. Along this path, several companions joined him, and together they founded the Society of Jesus.