Feast day: July 31
When did St. Ignatius of Loyola live: 1491- 1556
Biography of St. Ignatius of Loyola:
St. Ignatius was born as the youngest of thirteen children in Spain and became a Spanish soldier who fought against the French. He had to end his military career as he was hit by a cannon ball. During his recovery, he read the lives of the saints and decided to dedicate his own life to the Christian religion. Already soon after, he started having visions but was put on a hard trial: he started getting afraid and having doubts. After traveling and studying in different schools, he ended up in Paris where he taught at the university. Later, he founded his own order called the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits.
Patronage: St. Ignatius of Loyola is patron saint of the Society of Jesus, the soldiers, the educators and of education, of the dioceses of San Sebastián and Bilbao
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Ignatius of Loyola - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Ignatius of Loyola is shown as a priest with a book, a cross around his neck and a burning heart.