July 31
St. Ignatius of Loyola
A sixteenth-century Spanish soldier who experienced a profound conversion while recovering from a cannonball wound, went on pilgrimage, and founded the Society of Jesus — the Jesuits. His Spiritual Exercises remain one of the most influential tools of discernment in Christian history. He is the patron saint of retreats.
Why it matters for your parish:
Ignatius and the Jesuits shaped the modern Church — his Spiritual Exercises gave the Church its language for discernment, which is universally practiced today. Rich content for any retreat or vocations context.
Graphics for this saint are coming soon.