Background
Ethnicity:
Both parents of St. Ignatius of Loyola are Spanish.
St. Ignatius of Loyola was born in the family castle in Guipúzcoa, Spain, the youngest of 13 children, and was called Ińigo. He is from a noble family. He was initially called Íñigo López de Loyola before he adopted "Ignatius" which became most preferred by people. Íñigo López was brought up by María de Garín, the local blacksmith's wife, after his own mother died soon after his birth. As a young aristocrat, Ignatius of Loyola was moved by the Ideals of knighthood and courtly love and dreamed of doing great deals until tragedy struck when he was wounded fighting for his country. During his healing process, Ignatius had visions and experienced conversion. His desire to achieve great feats was aroused as he read about the lives of the saints and Jesus. He believed it was God directing him to his purpose on earth.
As time went by, Ignatius became an expert in the art of spiritual direction. Via his book the Spiritual Exercise, he collected his prayers, insights and suggestions. The book is considered one of the most impacting book ever written on spiritual life. With is group of friends, Ignatius formed the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits.