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St Ignatius was born on December 24, 1491 in Azpeitia Northern Spain. His Father, he was the youngest of thirteen. Don Beltram was a knight of Oñaz and Loyola, head of tone of the oldest and most noble families in the region. His mother Doña Marina Saenz de Licona and Balda was also well known in the region.
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Ignatius fought against the French north of Costilla. He got shot during the defence of the castle of Pamplona.
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His leg did not heal well and doctors considered performing the operation again. The doctors thought he was going to die after he had many severe fevers. However his Condition improved.
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He requested books to forget his pain. The only books in the Castle of Loyola were books about the history of Christ and the lives of the saints. He read the books and was inspired by them.
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To become a priest he had to study Latin so he went back to school to get educated.
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He went to the university of Alcala, to study physics, logic and theology. He was put in jail for 42 days for explaining the gospels and teaching others to pray.
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He then moved to University of Salamanca, but after two weeks he was prosecuted again. They then released him after finding no heresy in what he teaches. They only allowed him to teach children simple religious truths.
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He then decided to move to Paris where he studied: Latin grammar and literature, philosophy and theology.
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Ignatius and his companions: Pedro Fabro a priest, Francisco Javier, Lainez and Salmeron, Simon Rodriguez and Nicolas Bobadilla and 4 more, went to Rome and the Pope granted them the privilege to become priests. They were all determined to go where the Pope sends them.
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Ignatius, Fabro and Lainez went to Rome to offer their services to the Pope. They also agreed that they will be called the Company of Jesus. This company was approved by the Pope. Ignatius dedicated himself to educating the people the Christian Religion. While his companions had similar missions.
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On their tip to Rome while praying in the Chapel of " La Storta,” Jesus apeared to Ignatius surrounded by light and carrying a heavy cross. Christ said "Ego vobis Romae propitius ero" which translates to " You will be favoured in Rome"
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Pope Paul III approved the company of Jesus and a new order was formed. Ignatius was first elected the superior general of the new order. And started his role on Easter Sunday. A few days later all the members received their vows. The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Ignatius started writing the constitution of the order and decided to live in Rome for the rest of his life.
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- They educated young people and priests
- They were at the disposal of the Pope. They went where ever he wanted them to go.
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He died after an illness in on July 31, 1556 in Rome. He is buried in what is now called the Church of Gezu".
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He was Canonized by Pope Gregory XV.
