2016-12-24 Sat

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, born in 1491, was the first Superior General of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) founded by him. During one of his battles, he was hurt in the legs by a cannon ball and was hospitalized for a month. During this time, he read many books about Christ and saints.

He became more devout and realized the effects Evil and God had on him. He then began a new life, following God instead of men. He traveled to Rome along with his friends- Peter Faber and Francis Xavier to serve the Pope. Pope Paul III received the group and approved them as an official religious order in 1540. Here, on the persistence of the band, he agreed to become the first leader of their group, the Society of Jesus.

Ignatius imposed a strict, almost military rule on his order. Before Ignatius died on 31st July 1556, his order established 35 schools and had 1000 members.

This commemorative stamp of Saint Ignatius Loyola was issued on 12th October 1955 in Spain valuing 25 Spanish centime which depicts the portrait of Saint Ignatius.