Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola – 31st July 2023

Today, Mother Church celebrates the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, priest and theologian. Ignatius, who has a profound influence on Catholic life, was born at Loyola in the Basque area of Spain. He became a soldier and was wounded in battle. Ignatius turned to Christ during his long recovery. A strong and holy organiser, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) at Paris in 1534. The Jesuits effectively worked for Church renewal especially in the missions and in Catholic education. The Spiritual Exercises Ignatius developed helped many others to conversion. Ignatius was canonised in 1622 and is the patron saint of soldiers....