Saint Ignatius Loyola

Loyola, Saint Ignatius (1491–1556), Spanish founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a Roman Catholic order. A Basque nobleman and soldier, Loyola converted to religious life in 1521. His major work, Spiritual Exercises, was begun 1522–23. He later went to Paris with St. Francis Xavier to form the new order (1534). Loyola was its first general (1541–56). His feast day is July 31.

See also: Jesuits.