Our Founder

"Go forth and set the world on fire."

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) was a Spanish Basque soldier and mystic who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Born into a noble family, he initially sought fame and glory on the battlefield. However, a cannonball wound at the Battle of Pamplona shattered his leg—and his worldly ambitions. During his recovery, reading about the lives of Saints ignited a new desire in him: not to serve an earthly King, but the Eternal King, Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life to "helping souls" and founded the Jesuit order, which today runs schools and missions globally.