St Ignatius of Loyola - The Patron Saint of Soldiers

He was born Ignacio López de Loyola in thetheir wounded were taken care of. After months
municipality of Azpeitia in Gipuzkoa, Spain in 1491.of further treatment when he got back to Spain,
He was born into wealth and was the youngestand after all the pain that went with the
of 13 children. His father, Juan Velásquez detreatment, the legs healed.
Cuellar, was the treasurer to Ferdinand andIt was during this recovery period that his life
Isabella, King and Queen of Spain.started to change. Having nothing to do, he asked
When he grew up, he became a knight. He alsofor reading materials. He asked for stories about
joined the Spanish army. He was a brave soldierknights and chivalry. As there were none, he was
who fought in several battles. He fought for thegiven literature about the lives of Christ and the
honor of Spain and the glory of the Spain flag. Butsaints. He learned about the hardships of the
it was the Battle of Pamplona that started theChristian martyrs, and the life and sacrifices of
events that would change his life completely. TheChrist. It was there that he vowed to follow the
French Army was advancing on them ferociously.teachings of Christianity and be Christ's true
In the midst of the battle, his legs were seriouslyapostle.
wounded. A cannon ball hit his legs which damagedToday, he is considered the patron saint of
his left calf and right shin.soldiers -- the fierce soldier who became a brave
The Spanish army eventually surrendered to thesaint.
French Army. They were treated honorably, and