Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in the Basque region of Spain to a noble family as the last of 13 children. In his early life, he was a soldier and gambler who enjoyed drinking and women. In 1521, while defending the city of Pamplona, Ignatius suffered a severe leg injury from a cannon ball that left him with a permanent limp. During his recovery, he read about the lives of Christ and the saints, which inspired him to dedicate his own life to serving God as a "Soldier of Christ".

1. St. Ignatius of Loyola By Michael Penn

2. Ignatius’ Birth He was born in 1491 He was born in the Basque region in Spain He was born Inigo Lopez He was born into nobility He was the last of 13 children He was born at the tower house He was born in the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella

3. Early life to young adulthood His mother died when he was seven He changed his last name to Loyola He became a page at age 16 He was a soldier for Spain Ignatius was a fighter He drank alcohol a lot He was a gambler He loved the ladies

4. Conversion Experience In 1521 Ignatius was hit in the legs by a cannon ball while defending the city of Pamplona from the French. He had his leg broken and reset three times. None of the operations were successful. Ignatius walked with a limp for the rest of his life. While he was healing he read books about the life of Christ and the saints. While reading these Ignatius realized the saints and Christ had gone through great troubles. Ignatius had wanted to become a “Soldier of Christ”.