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Spanish nobility. Youngest of twelve children. Court page. Military
education. Soldier. Wounded in the leg by a cannonball at the siege of
Pampeluna on 20 May 1521, an injury that left him partially crippled for
life. During his recuperation the only books he had access to were The
Golden Legend, a collection of lives of the saints, and the Life of Christ
by Ludolph the Carthusian. These books, and the time spent in
contemplation, changed him.
On his recovery he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the altar
of the Virgin of Montserrat, and donned a pilgrim's robe. Lived in a cave
from 1522 to 1523. Journeyed to Rome and the Holy Land where he worked to
convert Muslims. Studied theology at Alcala and Paris, receiving his
degree on 14 March 1534. His meditations, prayers, visions and insights
led to forming the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on 15
August 1534. He traveled Europe and the Holy Lands, then settled in Rome
to direct the Jesuits. His health suffered in later years, and he was
nearly blind at death.
The Jesuits today have over 500 universities and colleges, 30,000 members,
and teach over 200,000 students each year.
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