This Spanish soldier founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1534.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish soldier, founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1534. Ignatius converted to Christianity while convalescing after a battle and wrote his Spiritual Exercises meant as a guide for conversion. In Paris, Ignatius and a small group of men took vows of poverty, chastity and papal obedience. Ignatius formally organized the order in 1539 that was approved by the pope in 1540. The society?s rapid growth and emphasis on scholarship aided in the resurgence of Catholicism during the Counter-Reformation. The Jesuits were also active in missionary work in Asia, Africa and the Americas.
