Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) was the founder and Superior General of the religious order of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), whose aim is to serve the Pope as missionaries, bound by a vow of special obedience to the Pontiff. Ignatius is also known for recording his method in “The Spiritual Exercises,” a simple set of meditations, devotions, and other mental challenges, first published in 1548. Elevated to sainthood on March 12 1622, his feast day is celebrated on July 31st.
