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Ignatius was born to noble Basque parents at the castle of Loyola in Spain. He initially pursued a military career but suffered severe wounds at the siege of Pamplona. During his prolonged convalescence Ignatius read the life of Christ and the lives of the saints. Upon reflection, he resolved to devote himself to Christ. After much prayer, penance and fasting, after spiritual struggle, Ignatius wrote of his conversion experience in his significant Spiritual Exercises.
In 1534, together with six others, Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus. Emphasizing the vow of obedience, he and the members of his Society, known as Jesuits, placed themselves unconditionally at the disposal of the Pope.
During the remainder of his life, Ignatius set three goals for the Church and as guiding principles for the activities of his Society: the reform of the Church, especially through education and frequent use of the sacraments; the pursuit of widespread missionary activity and the fight against heresy.
The spirit of Ignatius remains strong today in the Jesuit motto, “For the greater glory of God.” The feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola is celebrated on 31 July.
(This narrative is printed on the back of Note Cards. A copy is included with each plaque.)
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