Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

Ignatius of Loyola

St Ignatius (1491 – 1556) was born the youngest of thirteen children at Loyola in Spain. His mother died soon after his birth and he was adopted by the local blacksmith’s wife.

Image of St Ignatius of Loyola in Mass celebration vestments.

St Ignatius, with a “love of martial exercises and a vain glorious desire for fame,” joined the army at 17. He was happy to take up arms, engage in duels and, together with his leadership qualities, he became an accomplished fighter. That is until he sustained serious leg injuries when hit by a cannonball.

St Ignatius, during his convalescence, read many religious texts and resolved to devote his future life to the conversion of non-Christians, emulating St Francis of Assisi. He studied theology, was ordained a Priest and founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), becoming its first Superior General.

St Ignatius is remembered as a talented spiritual director and for his vigorous opposition to the Protestant Revolution. He is Patron Saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers and parts of Spain. His Feast Day is the 31st July.


St Ignatius of Loyola:

Pray that we will be generous to the Lord, serve as He deserves, give and not to count the cost, fight and not to heed the wounds, toil and not to seek for rest, labour and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen. (Based on a prayer by St Ignatius)

Glory be to the…