Saint Ignatius: From Soldier to Servant of God

The Conversion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

After becoming injured in battle, Saint Ignatius had a lot of time on his hands as he recovered. He asked for some readings to pass the time, but all they had was “A Life of Christ” and “The Saints of Castilian.” Following these readings, he began to reflect on his life and what God meant in it; this is when he decided to live the rest of his life for God and began to think about his Spiritual Exercises and what shaped the current Jesuit traditions.

The Purpose of Human Existence

Human beings are created to praise, reverence, and serve God Our Lord. To do this, I must make myself indifferent.

A Journey Fired with God

One thing he wanted to do was travel to Jerusalem as soon as he had recovered, with as much of disciplines and fasts as a generous spirit, “fired with God,” would want to perform. By doing this, he is promoting spiritual insight because he is planning to live his life for God. In the quote, he references being “fired with God,” which implies that his journey to Jerusalem and what he wants to make out of that trip is all in the interests of serving God.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG)

This spiritual insight is linked to the concept of Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG): “For the Greater Glory of God.” To live Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam is a way of being that permeates every thought, every deed, every action, and inaction. All is contemplated and weighed, all for the greater glory of God. To seek Him and to find Him in all things, people, circumstances, and places, unafraid to speak Truth to injustice.

Penance and External Works

He decided to do great penances, no longer with an eye to satisfying for his own sins, so much as to please and gratify God. In his autobiography, it stated that his whole intention was to do such great external works because the saints had done so for the glory of God, without considering any more particular detail.

Women and Men for and with Others

This spiritual insight is linked to the concept of women and men for and with others. It manifests as selflessness in action. It describes a thriving culture with many diverse people working together, sharing, volunteering, reflecting, pursuing justice, and having concern for anyone who is marginalized. When all are working for and with others, all are equal.

Reflection and the Discernment of Spirits

He felt that reflection was critical to understanding the purpose of God in his life. After having been injured in battle, he had a lot of time on his hands as he lay recovering in bed. He was given a Life of Christ and a book of the lives of the Saints of Castilian. Little by little, he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that were stirring: one from the devil, the other from God. As he began to think earnestly about his past life...

Unity of Heart, Mind, and Soul

This spiritual insight links to the Jesuit core value of unity of heart, mind, and soul. God created our mind, heart, and soul to exist in cohesion with one another. Developing the whole person and integrating all aspects of our lives into an unwavering expression of character and heart is central to the Jesuit pursuit.