Ignatius of Loyola (l. 1491-1556) was a Basque soldier who became a Catholic priest and theologian after a mystical experience convinced him he was called to the service of Christ. He founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to defend the Church and spread its message and was one of the leading figures of the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
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Definition
Timeline
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1491 - 1556Life of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits.
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1508 - 1521Loyola serves as a soldier until wounded at the Battle of Pamplona.
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1521Loyola becomes convinced he is called to serve God.
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20 May 1521Ignatius Loyola is severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona, ending his military career, and leading to his spiritual awakening, resulting in the founding of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and his eventual canonization as St. Ignatius of Loyola.
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1522 - 1534Loyola travels as a Christian ascetic, studies theology and Latin.
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1534Loyola enrolls at the University of Paris; meets the six men with whom he will found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
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1540The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) are approved by Pope Paul III.
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1548Loyola publishes his Spiritual Exercises, a manual of self-discipline for those wishing to join the Jesuits.
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1556Loyola dies of malaria.
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1622Loyola is canonized as Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
