Ignatius of Loyola

Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. After a life-changing experience while recovering from a battle injury, he turned to spirituality and religious service. Ignatius developed the Spiritual Exercises, a set of meditative practices aimed at deepening one's relationship with God. His focus on education, missionary work, and social justice led to significant influence in the Catholic Church and beyond. The Jesuits became known for their dedication to learning, philosophy, and commitment to helping others, shaping the landscape of Christianity and education worldwide.