Saint Ignatius of Loyola is truly a saint for our times.
He experienced immense suffering during his life–suffering that ultimately led to his timely conversion.
The story goes that he found himself bedridden after battle. His leg had shattered–and his ego, too. Even still, Ignatius struggled with his hot temper and privileged arrogance.
He requested some reading material, preferably romance or adventure, and instead found himself occupied with “The Lives of the Saints.”
Inspired by their stories, Saint Ignatius of Loyola began to change his ways. He built a life of routine prayer, sacrifice, and meditation. His experiences eventually led him to develop the Spiritual Exercises for which he is fondly known.
He founded the Jesuit order, which began as a group of university friends gathered together to pray the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Pope Francis was a part of this order.
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola on July 31.
On April 22, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, saying,
“St. Ignatius of Loyola was first and foremost a man of God who in his life put God, his greatest glory, and his greatest service, first.
“He was a profoundly prayerful man for whom the daily celebration of the Eucharist was the heart and crowning point of his day.”
The following quotes from Saint Ignatius of Loyola are found in his Spiritual Exercises, letters, and prayers:
"Love is shown more in deeds than in words."
“Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give, and not to count the cost, to fight, and not to heed the wounds, to toil, and not to seek for rest, to labor, and not to ask for reward, except that of knowing that we are doing your will.”
“He who goes about to reform the world must begin with himself, or he loses his labor.”
“If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you … there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross.”
“Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my whole will, all that I have and all that I possess. You gave it all to me, Lord; I give it all back to you. Do with it as you will, according to your good pleasure. Give me your love and your grace; for with this I have all that I need.” (The “Suscipe” prayer)
“Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me.”