Saint of the Week

Ignatius Loyola, Priest

Ignatius was the youngest of thirteen children of a noble family in the Basque region of Spain. He entered the military service and had a promising career ahead of him until he was wounded during the siege of Pamplona in 1521. During his long recovery, Ignatius spent the time reading religious books, as there was nothing else available to him. These readings included a life of Christ and the lives of saints, both of which had a profound effect on him. After his recovery, he made a pilgrimage to Monserrat where he hung up his sword at Our Lord's altar. He then spent a year in retreat at Manresa where he experienced visions and began writing his Spiritual Exercises. All of this eventually led him to be the founder of the Jesuits, and a great leader at a troubled time of church history.

Ignatius followed the call as it unfolded in his heart, one step at a time. In this, God led him to the work of his lifetime. So it is with us. Listen closely to how God may be calling you.