Ignatius of Loyola

Timeline

1. 1491–1510Loyola · Basque CountryIgnatius was born at Loyola Castle in the Basque region of Spain, immersed from childhood in knightly and courtly culture; between 1501 and 1510 he was still in his youth, learning reading, writing, and horsemanship, and beginning to move in the Navarrese court.
2. 1510–1521Pamplona · NavarreServing as an attendant at the Navarrese court, he pursued knightly honor and worldly fame. In 1521, during the siege of Pamplona, he suffered a severe leg wound, after which his life's direction took a fundamental turn.
3. 1522–1556Rome · ItalyAfter his injury he underwent profound spiritual experiences, wrote the Spiritual Exercises, and with companions formed spiritual communities at Montmartre and elsewhere; in 1540 papal approval established the Society of Jesus, renowned for discipline, education, and global missions; he spent his later years in Rome.