St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. After a profound spiritual conversion during his recovery from a military injury, he dedicated his life to serving God. He developed the Spiritual Exercises, a series of meditations and prayers designed to deepen one's relationship with God. Ignatius emphasized discernment, the importance of finding God in all things, and education. His influence on the Catholic Church has been significant, with the Jesuits becoming renowned for their contributions to education, missionary work, and spiritual formation.