LIFE EVENTS
Born in 1491 to a noble Basque family in Spain, he was the youngest of thirteen children. His family prided themselves on great military exploits.
St. Ignatius of Loyola
During his long recovery from battle wounds, only two books were available at the Loyola castle library: "Life of Christ" and stories about saints. Reading these changed his entire perspective on life.
"Life of Christ" and stories about saints
These are five core values for character formation: _______, ________, ________, ________ and _________. They animated St. Ignatius's life and guide Jesuit education today.
The Five C's (Character, Competence, Conscience, Compassion, Culture)
He was very tenacious with a great desire to do great deeds and be famous. His greatest temptation was vanity – he wanted to be esteemed, admired, and become a great knight who would win the hand of a lady.
His desire for fame / Vanity / Wanting to be a famous knight
Ignatius experienced two types of daydreams: one about winning fame as a knight (which left him sad), and another about imitating saints like St. Francis of Assisi (which brought peace).
Worldly dreams vs. spiritual dreams
Ignatius wrote this famous guidebook during his pilgrim years (between his conversion and founding the religious order). It is rooted in his own experiences and helps people find God in everyday life.
Spiritual Exercise
During the ______________ in 1521, a cannonball smashed his leg while he bravely defended the city against French forces. He underwent multiple surgeries without anesthesia.
Battle of Pamplona
Although committed to following God's plan, Ignatius didn't know how to do it. He realized he needed this special gift to help him make good decisions and follow God's will.
Discernment
Ignatius and his companions formed this religious community in 1540, dedicated to serving the Church and finding God in all things. They took vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, plus special obedience to the Pope.
The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)