author
Saint of Loyola Ignatius
1491–1556
A wounded soldier turned spiritual guide, he founded the Jesuits and helped shape Catholic life for centuries. His story combines inner struggle, practical wisdom, and a deep search for purpose.
2 Audiobooks
The spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius : adapted to an eight days retreat and six triduums in preparation for the semi-annual renovation of the vows, all for the use of Jesuits only
by Saint of Loyola Ignatius, Charles Coppens
The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
by Saint of Loyola Ignatius
About the author
Born in the Basque region of Spain in 1491, Ignatius of Loyola began adult life with ambitions of a courtier and soldier. A severe cannonball injury in 1521 changed everything: during his long recovery, he read religious works, experienced a profound conversion, and began the path that would make him one of the most influential figures in Catholic history.
Ignatius went on to study as an adult, gather a circle of companions, and found the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. He is also closely linked with the Spiritual Exercises, a guide to prayer and self-examination that grew out of his own spiritual journey and has been used by readers and retreatants for centuries.
He spent his later years leading the new order from Rome until his death in 1556. Remembered as both practical and deeply reflective, he is often admired for joining disciplined action with careful attention to the inner life.