Saint of the Day

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Friday, July 31, 2026

Saint Ignatius of Loyola began as an ambitious Spanish soldier who dreamed of honor, romance, and worldly glory. Everything changed when a cannonball shattered his leg and left him confined to bed. While recovering, Ignatius read about Jesus Christ and the lives of the saints. He discovered that dreams of worldly success left him empty, while thoughts of serving God brought lasting peace and joy. This realization became the foundation of his teaching on the discernment of spirits. Ignatius later founded the Society of Jesus—the Jesuits—and wrote the Spiritual Exercises, which have helped countless souls grow in prayer and discover God’s will. His life shows how God can use suffering to redirect an entire life toward holiness. Subscribe to Catholic Voices and Prayers for more powerful stories of the saints and the Catholic faith.