St. Ignatius of Loyola: Feast Day, Patronage & Prayers

Feast day: July 31 (Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest)

Patron of: Spiritual retreats and the Society of Jesus.

About St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius was born in 1491 in the castle of Loyola, in the Basque country of Spain, and grew up dreaming of chivalry and fame at court. In 1521, defending the fortress of Pamplona against the French, he was struck by a cannonball that shattered his leg. During his long recovery the only books available were a life of Christ and lives of the saints. Reading them, he noticed that dreams of worldly glory left him dry, while thoughts of following Christ left him peaceful and joyful. From that insight came his teaching on the discernment of spirits.

After his recovery, Ignatius gave up his sword at the shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat and spent months in prayer and penance at Manresa, where he began writing the Spiritual Exercises. He studied in Spain and Paris, where he gathered companions including St. Francis Xavier, and in 1540 Pope Paul III approved the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits became known for education, missions, and retreats. Ignatius governed the order from Rome until his death in 1556 and was canonized in 1622. His motto was "for the greater glory of God."

Prayers to St. Ignatius of Loyola on Daily Catholic Prayers

• Anima Christi

• Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier

• Prayer for Generosity (St. Ignatius of Loyola)

• Prayer to St. Ignatius of Loyola

• Suscipe of St. Ignatius

Learn more: “St. Ignatius Loyola” in the Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent)

Browse every saint in our Catalog of Saints A–Z.

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