Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Born in the Basque region of Spain, he underwent a profound religious conversion after a near-fatal injury during military service. He then dedicated his life to spiritual exercises and the founding of the Jesuits, a religious order focused on education, missionary work, and service to the Catholic Church. Ignatius is venerated as the patron saint of soldiers, educators, and the Basque region.