Page 4 - Confirmed in the Joy

[ CHAPTER SIX ]
The Gift of Piety
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Sometimes life presents twists and turns that are not necessarily expected. Such was the life of Ignatius of Loyola! Íñigo López de Loyola was born in Spain in 1491. He was born into a noble
family and was trained to be of service to the Spanish king. But in a battle against the French, young Ignatius was injured badly. While his injuries were healing, he read the lives of the saints. In doing so he decided to change his life, turn to God, and dedicate himself to serving the glory of God.
While on a pilgrimage, Ignatius laid down his sword and became a “soldier of
MODEL OF FAITH
Christ.” He then traveled to the Holy Land and while there answered a call to the priesthood. He set off for Paris and studied
The words of
St. Ignatius of Loyola “ Teach us to give and
not to count the cost.”
at the University of Paris. It was there that Ignatius convinced a group of six men to join him in a new religious community. Thus was born the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits.
Ignatius was not only known for founding a religious community, he was also respected for his spiritual prayer practices that came through in his famous work, the Spiritual
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