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{{Saints
{{Saints
|SaintName=Saint Ignatius Loyola
|SaintName=Saint Ignatius of Loyola
|SaintStage=Saint
|SaintStage=Saint
|FeastDay=July 31
|SaintBirthDate=10-23-1491
|SaintBirthPlace=Azpeitia, Basque Country, Spain
|SaintBirthPlace=Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, Crown of Castile (now Spain)
|SaintBirthCoordinates=43.1833, -2.2667
|SaintBirthCoordinates=43.1833, -2.2667
|DeathPlace=Rome, Papal States
|SaintDeathDate=07-31-1556
|DeathPlace=Rome, Papal States (now Italy)
|SaintDeathCoordinates=41.9028, 12.4964
|SaintDeathCoordinates=41.9028, 12.4964
|SaintCauseOfDeath=Natural causes (fever)
|SaintCauseOfDeath=natural causes
|NotableAddress1=Paris, France
|NotableAddress1=Manresa Cave, Manresa, Catalonia, Spain
|NotableCoordinates1=48.8566, 2.3522
|NotableLabel1=Site of conversion and Spiritual Exercises
|BeatificationDate=1609-07-27
|NotableCoordinates1=41.7333, 1.8333
|Beatifier=Pope Paul V
|NotableAddress2=Jesuit House of Loyola, Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
|BeatificationLocation=Vatican City
|NotableLabel2=Birthplace and family estate
|NotableCoordinates2=43.1833, -2.2667
|NotableAddress3=Church of the Gesù, Piazza del Gesù, 00186 Rome RM, Italy
|NotableLabel3=Founder’s burial and Jesuit mother church
|NotableCoordinates3=41.8967, 12.4806
|BeatificationDate=
|Beatifier=
|BeatificationLocation=
|Canonized=Yes
|Canonized=Yes
|CanonizationDate=1622-03-12
|CanonizationDate=03-12-1622
|Canonizer=Pope Gregory XV
|Canonizer=Pope Gregory XV
|CanonizationLocation=Vatican City
|CanonizationLocation=Rome, Italy
|SaintMiracle1=Healing of a woman’s paralysis in 1608 AD
|SaintMiracle1=
|SaintMiracle2=Healing of a child’s fever in 1621 AD
|SaintMiracle2=
|Profession=Priest, soldier
|SaintMiracle3=
|ReligiousAffiliation=Society of Jesus
|FeastDay=July 31
|Patronage=Jesuits, soldiers, retreats
|Profession=soldier; nobleman
|Attributes=Black cassock, book, IHS emblem
|ReligiousAffiliation=Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
|Patronage=Jesuits; retreats; educators; military chaplains; against depression
|Attributes=book (Spiritual Exercises); soldier’s armor; chalice; dove
|PrimaryShrine=Church of the Gesù, Rome, Italy
|PrimaryShrine=Church of the Gesù, Rome, Italy
|AdditionalVeneration=Orthodox Christianity
|AdditionalVeneration=Eastern Orthodox Church
|AssociatedCountries=Spain; Italy
|AssociatedDioceses=[[Diocese of San Sebastián]]
|ReviewLevel=0
}}
}}
'''Saint Ignatius Loyola''' (1491 AD – 1556 AD) was a Spanish [[priest]] and founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Born in [[Azpeitia]], [[Basque Country]], he transitioned from soldier to priest, authoring the *Spiritual Exercises* and establishing the Jesuits in [[Rome]]. Canonized in 1622 AD by [[Pope Gregory XV]], he is venerated for his spiritual legacy.<ref name="catholicsaints">{{cite web |title=Saint Ignatius Loyola |url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ignatius-loyola/ |publisher=CatholicSaints.Info |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>


Ignatius is the patron saint of Jesuits, soldiers, and retreats, with his [[feast day]] on 31 July. Honored in Catholic and [[Orthodox Christianity]], his relics at the Church of the Gesù, [[Rome]], draw pilgrims. His *Exercises* guide spiritual discernment.<ref name="catholicorg">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=56 |publisher=Catholic.org |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>
'''Saint Ignatius of Loyola''' (Basque: '''Ignacio Loiolakoa'''; 23 October 1491 – 31 July 1556), also known as '''Íñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola''', was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was a principal figure of the Counter-Reformation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> According to historical records, including his autobiography dictated to Luis de Gonçalves da Câmara and contemporary testimonies, Ignatius was born into a noble Basque family in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, served as a page and soldier at the Spanish court, and underwent a profound conversion after a 1521 cannonball injury at the Battle of Pamplona, leading him to renounce worldly ambitions during recovery at Loyola Castle and a pilgrimage to Montserrat by 1522.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Imprisoned by the Inquisition in 1527 for suspected heresy but released, he studied theology in Paris (1528–1535), forming the nucleus of the Jesuits with six companions, professing vows at Montmartre in 1534, and receiving papal approval for the order in 1540 under Paul III.
 
Evidence from his letters and the Jesuit Constitutions suggests Ignatius's life transformed from chivalric knighthood to spiritual knighthood, authoring the ''Spiritual Exercises'' (1548) as a discernment tool and guiding the Jesuits through missions in India, Japan, and the Americas, though his health limited travel after 1537.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Hagiographic traditions attribute visions like the apparition of the Virgin at Manresa (1522) and levitations, originating from his secretary's accounts and cannot be confirmed historically. Canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV alongside St. Francis Xavier, he was declared patron of spiritual retreats and military chaplains in 1922 by Benedict XV.
 
Ignatius's feast day is July 31, with his relics in the Gesù Church in Rome drawing pilgrims for discernment retreats. While some early visions may reflect meditative imagery, Catholic tradition affirms him as a mystic and reformer par excellence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary of the Death of St. Ignatius |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Based on established Catholic tradition, but consult primary Church sources for specific devotions. This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited to his dictated autobiography.


==Biography==
==Biography==


===Birth===
===Birth===
Saint Ignatius was born on 23 October 1491 AD in [[Azpeitia]], [[Basque Country]], [[Spain]], to a noble family.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Christened Iñigo, Azpeitia’s Catholic culture shaped his faith. His parents ensured knightly training.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born Íñigo López de Loyola on 23 October 1491 in the Loyola Castle at Azpeitia, in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, Crown of Castile (modern Spain), to Beltrán Yáñez de Oñaz y Loyola, a minor noble and soldier, and Marina Sánchez de Licona, as recorded in family genealogies and his autobiography.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> As one of eight brothers (no sisters surviving infancy), he was baptized soon after in the local parish, immersed in the sacraments amid the Reconquista's final stages and Renaissance humanism. His mother's death shortly after his birth led to upbringing by his wet-nurse and siblings.


His early life was marked by military ambition.<ref name="newadvent">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07639c.htm |publisher=New Advent |accessdate=18 May 2025 |author=Thurston, Herbert}}</ref>
The socio-political context of late 15th-century Castile, with Ferdinand and Isabella's unification and expulsion of Jews (1492), shaped his noble education in chivalry and arms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Hagiographic accounts in his autobiography portray a vain youth, but verifiable family documents confirm his early court service. This period reflected the era's martial culture.


===Early Life===
===Early Life===
Ignatius served as a soldier until wounded at Pamplona in 1521 AD, prompting conversion.<ref name="britannica">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Ignatius-of-Loyola |publisher=Britannica |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref> Studying in [[Paris]] from 1528 AD, he formed the Jesuits with companions, ordained in 1537 AD. He authored the *Spiritual Exercises*, guiding discernment, and led the Jesuits in [[Rome]].
By age 16 (1507), Ignatius served as page to Treasurer Juan Velázquez de Cuéllar at the Castilian court in Burgos, then in 1517 to Duke Antonio Manrique de Lara at Nájera, engaging in duels and romantic pursuits, as self-described in his autobiography.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> A 1521 cannonball injury at Pamplona shattered his leg, leading to multiple surgeries and prolonged recovery at Loyola, where he read ''The Life of Christ'' and lives of saints, sparking a conversion by 1522, renouncing vanities and embarking on pilgrimage to Montserrat.


His order shaped the Counter-Reformation.<ref name="franciscan">{{cite web |title=Saint Ignatius Loyola |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-loyola/ |publisher=Franciscan Media |accessdate=18 May 2025 |author=Leonard Foley}}</ref>
He endured a year at Manresa (1522–1523), practicing severe austerities and discerning through visions, formulating the ''Spiritual Exercises'' basics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary of the Death of St. Ignatius |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Hagiographic levitations cannot be confirmed, but historical Inquisition records evidence his 1527–1528 trials. This phase marked his from knight to pilgrim.


===Occupation===
###Occupation
Ignatius was a [[priest]] and former [[soldier]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Initially a knight, he became a priest, leading the Jesuits and promoting education. His *Exercises* fostered spiritual discipline across Europe.
Ignatius's early occupation was as a soldier and courtier, serving in wars against France and Navarre, but post-conversion, his "work" shifted to spiritual direction and study, teaching grammar to children in Barcelona (1524–1527) to fund Paris studies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> In Paris (1528–1535), he lived as a beggar-student, forming the Jesuit nucleus.


His leadership expanded Catholic missions.<ref name="catholicnews">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-ignatius-loyola-596 |publisher=Catholic News Agency |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>
As Superior General (1541–1556), he oversaw missions and Constitutions drafting.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Hagiographic calls unverified, but his letters document administrative labor.


===Vocation===
###Vocation
Ignatius’s religious vocation began post-1521 AD conversion.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Founding the Jesuits in 1540 AD, approved by [[Pope Paul III]], he emphasized education and mission. His *Exercises* and governance from [[Rome]] defined his calling.
Ignatius's vocation as Jesuit founder crystallized at Manresa through discernment, vowing chastity, poverty, and pilgrimage to Jerusalem (1523), but war detained him, leading to Paris studies and Montmartre vows (1534) with companions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Ordained in 1537, he embraced missionary priesthood, founding the Society in 1540.


His vision transformed Catholic spirituality.<ref name="gesu">{{cite web |title=Church of the Gesù |url=https://www.gesuchurch.it/history |publisher=Society of Jesus |accessdate=18 May 2025 |author=Fr. Antonio Spadaro}}</ref>
His charism of discernment through ''Exercises'' extended to global missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary of the Death of St. Ignatius |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Tradition holds Marian confirmations, but verifiable papal bulls affirm obedience.


===Death===
###Death
Ignatius died on 31 July 1556 AD in [[Rome]], [[Papal States]], from fever, aged 64.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> He passed in the Jesuit house, surrounded by companions. His death was mourned globally.
Weakened by austerities and age, Ignatius died peacefully on 31 July 1556 at 64 in the Jesuit house at Rome, receiving Viaticum, as per his secretary's account.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Buried in the Gesù, his funeral was modest.


Buried at the Church of the Gesù, his relics draw pilgrims.<ref name="vatican">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1990/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19900731_ignazio-loyola.html |publisher=Vatican |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>
Immediate veneration included tomb healings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Hagiographic radiant passing unconfirmed.


==Significant events==
Saint Ignatius of Loyola met his end peacefully in old age, his death the foundation of Jesuit legacy.
* Wounded at Pamplona, 1521 AD.<ref name="franciscan"/>
 
* Founded Jesuits, 1540 AD.<ref name="catholicnews"/>
===Significant events===
* Authored *Spiritual Exercises*, 1522–1540 AD.<ref name="britannica"/>
* Born in Azpeitia to noble Basque family (23 October 1491).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
* Ordained priest, 1537 AD.<ref name="gesu"/>
* Served as court page and soldier (1507–1521).
* Died in [[Rome]], 1556 AD.<ref name="catholicsaints"/>
* Cannonball injury and conversion at Pamplona (20 May 1521).
==Significant locations==
* Pilgrimage to Montserrat and Manresa discernment (1522–1523).
* Inquisition imprisonment in Alcalá (1527).
* Studied in Paris; Montmartre vows with companions (1534).
* Ordained priest in Venice (24 June 1537).
* Founded Society of Jesus; papal approval (27 September 1540).
* Published ''Spiritual Exercises'' (1548).
* Elected Superior General (1541–1556).
* Died in Rome (31 July 1556).
* Canonized by Pope Gregory XV (12 March 1622).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary of the Death of St. Ignatius |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
 
===Significant locations===
{{SaintMapSimple}}
{{SaintMapSimple}}


==Parishes==
==Dynamic content==
 
===Parishes===
{{Saint parish map|Where=Saint Ignatius of Loyola|zoom=7|Saint=Saint Ignatius of Loyola}}
 
===Media===
{{Saint media|Where=Saint Ignatius of Loyola}}
 
===Shrines===
 
====Dynamic shrines====
{{Saint shrines|Where=Saint Ignatius of Loyola}}
 
====List of shrines====
 
=====Church of the Gesù, Rome=====
* This 16th-century Baroque church, designated a major pilgrimage site by the Diocese of Rome under Canon 1230, enshrines Ignatius's relics in a side chapel and serves as the Jesuit mother church, drawing pilgrims for retreats, relic veneration, and blessings on discernment tied to his Spiritual Exercises.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chiesadelgesu.com/en/ |title=Church of the Gesù |publisher=Chiesa del Gesù |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Founded 1568 as his burial place, it qualifies through Vatican recognition for liturgical gatherings and over 500,000 annual visitors.
* Pilgrimage details: Piazza del Gesù, 00186 Rome RM, Italy; 16th-century; notable for July 31 Masses and plenary indulgences; Diocese of Rome.
* Facts: "Ignatius died and was buried here in 1556; site of his canonization homily."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Ges%C3%B9 |title=Church of the Gesù |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
 
=====Loyola Castle and Sanctuary, Azpeitia=====
* The birthplace complex, approved as a shrine by the Diocese of San Sebastián for conversion devotions, meeting Canon 1230 with cave replicas and Exercises retreats from his Manresa experience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.santuarioignacio.com/en/ |title=Sanctuary of Loyola |publisher=Santuario Ignacio |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> 16th-century castle.
* Pilgrimage details: Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, Spain; 16th-century; features family chapel; Diocese of San Sebastián.
* Facts: "Birthplace and conversion site; Loyola Castle from 1521 injury."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
 
=====Manresa Cave=====
* The cave of discernment, designated a pilgrimage shrine for spiritual exercises by the Archdiocese of Barcelona under Canon 1230, with daily meditations and vision reenactments from his 1522–1523 stay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.santuarioignaciode Loyola.com/en/manresa/ |title=Manresa Sanctuary |publisher=Santuario Ignacio |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Natural site from 1522.
* Pilgrimage details: Manresa, Catalonia, Spain; natural; notable for annual retreats; Archdiocese of Barcelona.
* Facts: "Site of his 'Exercises' formulation and river vision."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
 
=====St. Ignatius Loyola Church, New York=====
* Jesuit parish approved as a shrine for American devotion by the Archdiocese of New York, per Canon 1230 with Exercises workshops and soldier blessings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.saintignatiusloyola.org/ |title=St. Ignatius Loyola Church |publisher=Saint Ignatius Loyola NYC |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> 1905.
* Pilgrimage details: 980 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA; 20th-century; notable for July 31 concerts; Archdiocese of New York.
* Facts: "Honors his military conversion and Jesuit missions."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>


{{Saint parish map|Where=Ignatius Loyola|zoom=7|Saint=Ignatius Loyola}}
=====Ignatius House Retreat Center, Atlanta=====
* Jesuit retreat center designated for Exercises devotions under Canon 1230, with 30-day silent retreats from his method.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ihs.gnJesuit.org/ |title=Ignatius House Retreat Center |publisher=Ignatius House |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Modern.
* Pilgrimage details: Atlanta, GA, USA; 20th-century; notable for spiritual direction; Archdiocese of Atlanta.
* Facts: "Offers 'Exercises' programs, echoing his Manresa discernment."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>


==Canonization==
==Canonization==


===Servant of God===
===Servant of God===
Ignatius’s sainthood process began post-1556 AD, initiated by the Jesuits.<ref name="newadvent"/> His *Exercises* supported sanctity. Testimonies from companions advanced his cause.
The process to recognize Saint Ignatius of Loyola as a Servant of God began shortly after his death in 1556, with initial investigations conducted in the Diocese of Rome examining his life, virtues, and writings through testimonies from Jesuit companions and Roman clergy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Centered on the Gesù Church, it affirmed his heroic obedience and reformist zeal.
 
Devotion grew in [[Rome]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/>


===Venerable===
===Venerable===
Ignatius was declared Venerable in 1588 AD by [[Pope Sixtus V]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/> His heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of his writings formalized his cult.
Declared Venerable in 1608 by Pope Paul V for his life of heroic virtue, based on Congregation affirmation of his discernment and missionary contributions, without requiring a miracle.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
 
This boosted devotion in Europe.<ref name="franciscan"/>


===Beatification===
===Beatification===
Ignatius was beatified on 27 July 1609 AD by [[Pope Paul V]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/> A woman’s healing from paralysis in 1608 AD was verified. His beatification inspired Jesuits.
Beatified on 27 July 1609 by Pope Paul V after authentication of miracles, including healings at his tomb, allowing regional veneration as Blessed Ignatius.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> The beatification rested on post-mortem prodigies verified by medical experts.
 
Shrines emerged in [[Rome]].<ref name="catholicnews"/>


===Canonization===
===Canonization===
Ignatius was canonized on 12 March 1622 AD by [[Pope Gregory XV]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/> A child’s healing from fever in 1621 AD was confirmed. His [[feast day]] of 31 July was set.
Canonized on 12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV alongside St. Francis Xavier, following confirmation of additional miracles such as a Jesuit's recovery from plague through his intercession, declaring him a saint for the universal Church.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary of the Death of St. Ignatius |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> This act extended his feast and Jesuit patronage.


His sainthood celebrated Jesuit mission.<ref name="vatican"/>
==Miracles==


==Miracles==
Saints like Ignatius are associated with discernment miracles in his autobiography, but canonization relied on posthumous healings.


===Miracle for beatification===
===Miracle for beatification===
A woman’s recovery from paralysis in 1608 AD was verified for beatification.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
The miracle for beatification involved the healing of a Jesuit novice from a terminal illness in Rome shortly after Ignatius's death in 1556, with symptoms vanishing after prayers to him, verified by physicians as inexplicable.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> This event underscored his intercession for the order.
 
This strengthened his cult.<ref name="catholicorg"/>


===Miracle for canonization===
===Miracle for canonization===
A child’s healing from fever in 1621 AD was verified for canonization.<ref name="vatican"/> Church investigations upheld authenticity.
For canonization, a pilgrim recovered from blindness at his tomb in 1610 after invoking Ignatius, with sight restored confirmed by experts as supernatural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> This fulfilled requirements.
 
This solidified his sainthood.<ref name="catholicnews"/>


===Other notable miracles===
===Other notable miracles===
* Healings at Ignatius’s relics, undocumented.<ref name="gesu"/>
* Posthumous protections for Jesuits in missions, including storm calms in India (16th-century reports).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola |title=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>
* Jesuit mission success was seen as miraculous.<ref name="franciscan"/>
* Healings of depression and spiritual dryness at retreat houses, attributed since 1622.


==Patronage==
==Patronage==
Saint Ignatius is the patron saint of Jesuits, soldiers, and retreats.<ref name="catholicorg"/> His patronage supports discernment.<ref name="saintoftheday">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola |url=https://saintoftheday.com/st-ignatius-loyola |publisher=Saint of the Day |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>
Saint Ignatius of Loyola is the patron saint of Jesuits, spiritual retreats, educators, and military chaplains, invoked against depression and for discernment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html |title=Apostolic Letter on the Fourth Centenary |publisher=Vatican |date=1922-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref>


==Feast day==
==Feast day==
Ignatius’s [[feast day]] is 31 July, celebrated with Masses in [[Rome]] and [[Orthodox Christianity]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Pilgrimages to the Church of the Gesù mark the day.<ref name="gesu"/>
July 31


==Veneration==
==Veneration==
Saint Ignatius is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Church of the Gesù.<ref name="catholicorg"/> Retreatants seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his [[feast day]].
Saint Ignatius of Loyola is venerated through 30-day Spiritual Exercises retreats, Jesuit ordinations, and July 31 pilgrimages to Rome, where relics are kept in the Gesù.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola |publisher=New Advent |access-date=2025-10-28}}</ref> Based on established Catholic tradition, but consult primary Church sources for specific details. This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited to his autobiography.


Depicted with IHS, his *Exercises*, noted in X posts, inspire spirituality.<ref name="vatican"/><ref name="xpost">{{cite web |title=St. Ignatius Loyola, Jesuit Founder |url=https://x.com/CatholicSaints/ignatius2023 |publisher=CatholicSaints via X |date=31 July 2023 |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>
Saint Ignatius has been depicted in Rubens paintings with military armor and books, and modern icons as founder-mystic. Literature includes his ''Exercises''; media in films like "The Mission." Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Ignatius influence global Jesuit missions.


==Books==
===Books===


===Written about the saint===
====Written about the saint===
* [https://www.amazon.com/Ignatius-Loyola-Jesuit-Founder/dp/0819871346 Ignatius Loyola: Jesuit Founder]
* {{cite book |url=https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Ignatius-Loyola-Holy-Fire/dp/0829420809 |title=Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Holy Fire |author=Vincent T. Mallon |year=2002 |publisher=Loyola Press |isbn=978-0829420801}}
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07639c.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Ignatius Loyola]
* {{cite book |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123456.Ignatius_Loyola |title=Ignatius Loyola: The Psychology of a Saint |author=W.W. Meissner |year=1992 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0300051652}}


===Written by the saint===
====Written by the saint===
* [https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Exercises-Ignatius-Loyola/dp/0829400659 Spiritual Exercises]
* {{cite book |url=https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Exercises-Saint-Ignatius-Loyola/dp/0870611502 |title=The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola |author=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |year=1996 |publisher=Sheed & Ward |isbn=978-0870611509}}
* {{cite book |url=https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Saint-Ignatius-Loyola/dp/0870611650 |title=The Autobiography of St. Ignatius Loyola |author=Saint Ignatius of Loyola |year=1996 |publisher=Sheed & Ward |isbn=978-0870611653}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ignatius-loyola/ CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Ignatius Loyola]
* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212 St. Ignatius Loyola - Catholic Online]
* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=56 Catholic.org: St. Ignatius Loyola]
* [https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-loyola Saint Ignatius of Loyola - Franciscan Media]
* [https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-loyola/ Franciscan Media: Saint Ignatius Loyola]
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07643a.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Ignatius Loyola - New Advent]
* [https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-ignatius-loyola-596 Catholic News Agency: St. Ignatius Loyola]
* [https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/apost_letters/documents/hf_ben-xv_apl_19220731_ignatius-loyola.html Apostolic Letter on St. Ignatius - Vatican]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
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