Ignatius of Loyola
Adam Babyak
who is this person?
was a Spanish knight from a local Basque noble family hermit priest since 1537 and theologian who founded the society of Jesus and on April 19 1541 became its first superior general Ignatius emerged as a religious leader during the counter Reformation. Loyolas devotion to the Catholic Church was characterized by absolute obedience to the Pope
why is this person important
Over the years Ignatius became expert in the art of spiritual direction He collected his insights and suggestions in his book the Spiritual Exercises one of the most influential books on the spiritual life ever written With a small group of friends Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits Ignatius conceived the Jesuits as contemplatives in action This also describes the many Christians who have been touched by Ignatian spirituality