Born and raised in the early part of the sixteenth century, Ignatius of Loyola was from a noble family, and eventually found his way into the military. A serious injury sent him home to recuperate. During this time he read extensively a life of Christ, and the lives of the saints. Reflecting on these texts brought him to examine his own life, and relationship with Jesus. A vision of Christ implored him towards conversion, which eventually lead him to religious life. In 1534 he and six other men, founded the Society of Jesus. The premise of their service was to serve the needs of the papacy in whatever capacity was needed.
Recall too that about this time was the Protestant Reformation and the rebuilding of the Church. The powers of Europe were increasing in the world, and the economy was about to become 'global.' The activities of this new order were to be the reform of the Church, especially through the sacraments, missionary activity, education, and to counter heresies which were developing. The spiritual order of Ignatius, which were developed in his Spiritual Exercises, emphasized coming to know, and to follow, the will of God.
In on of his letters Ignatius writes, "I beg God ... grant us a superabundance of grace, in order that we may fully experience his most holy will ... ." Ignatius would challenge all of his followers to do everything for the glory of the name of Jesus.
The premise of a saintly and holy life is that we become caught up in doing holy 'things' and living a holy life. Of course that does not mean that we are kneeling all of the time, nor are our eyes always rolled back in ecstasy. All of us have at some time or another met holy people while doing non-church activities. This was the sort of vision which Ignatius had. His desire was that peoples would direct themselves towards doing the will of God the Father.
From the Exercises themselves St Ignatius still speaks to us, as he quotes St. Paul, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ."
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