Religious Education & Faith Life

St Ignatius of Loyola

St Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in the Basque region of northern Spain. Originally a soldier, Ignatius lived a life of ambition and adventure. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1521 when he was seriously injured in battle. During his long recovery, he began reading about the lives of Jesus and the saints. This experience sparked a deep spiritual awakening and a desire to dedicate his life to God.

After his recovery, Ignatius gave up his former life and began a pilgrimage of faith. He studied theology in Paris, where he gathered a group of companions who shared his vision. In 1534, they formed the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Their mission was to serve others, promote education, and spread the Christian faith through compassion, discipline, and intellectual excellence.

St Ignatius left a profound legacy that continues to shape the world today. The Jesuits founded schools, colleges, and universities around the world. Their emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and moral development has influenced generations of students. Jesuits are known for their commitment to social justice, helping the poor, and advocating for peace and human dignity.

Ignatius developed the Spiritual Exercises, a guide to deepening one’s relationship with God through reflection, prayer, and discernment.

Our school has named a faction after St Ignatius because he embodies values we strive to live by and is a positive role model for us all.  Ignatius was able to turn his personal suffering into a journey of growth and purpose. He inspired other people to join him in his mission, service and learning. Ignatius reminds us to always do our best and to use our talents to help other people.

St Ignatius teaches us that no matter where we start, we can choose a path of meaning, service, and leadership. His life encourages us to reflect on our goals and values, to support one another in learning and growth, and to use our gifts to make a positive difference in the world.