Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish priest and theologian, born in 1491. He is best known as the founder of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. After a spiritual conversion, he dedicated his life to serving God and promoting education and missionary work. Ignatius wrote the Spiritual Exercises, a guide for spiritual growth and discernment. He emphasized the importance of finding God in all things and encouraged a deep personal relationship with Christ. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, and his feast day is celebrated on July 31.