July 31

Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola

September 18, 2026 4 Min Read

Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola is celebrated annually on July 31. In 2027, this date falls on a Saturday. This day honors Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Spanish Basque priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits, and whose spiritual legacy continues to influence millions around the world.

History of Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola
Why is Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola important?
How to Celebrate Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola
Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola Dates

HT Meter

Does this day matter to you?

Tap the meter if it does, and say whether you will be celebrating — that is what opens the wishes from everybody else who will be.

This day matters to me

0 Be the first to say so

Just getting started

0 Let others know you’re in.

Wishes, greetings and stories

Join the celebration to share a wish, a greeting, or how this day goes in your house.

These are kept for the people celebrating this day. Say you will be celebrating to read them and to add your own.

History of Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola

Ignatius of Loyola was born Iñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola on October 23, 1491, in the castle at Loyola in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, in the Basque region of the Crown of Castile. After a military career that ended with a severe leg injury from a cannonball at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, he underwent a profound spiritual conversion during his convalescence. Reading the lives of Christ and the saints, he resolved to devote himself to God. He later studied at the University of Paris, where in 1534 he and six companions—including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber—took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, forming the nucleus of what would become the Society of Jesus. Pope Paul III approved the order in 1540, and Ignatius served as its first Superior General until his death in Rome on July 31, 1556.

The feast day itself was established following Ignatius's canonization. He was beatified by Pope Paul V on July 27, 1609, and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. His feast day was set for July 31, the anniversary of his death, and is celebrated annually by the Catholic Church, as well as in the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church. The Society of Jesus, which he founded, marks the day with particular solemnity, honoring their founder and the spiritual exercises and missionary zeal he instilled in the order.

Why is Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola important?

Saint Ignatius of Loyola is a towering figure in Christian history, and his feast day is important for several reasons. As the founder of the Jesuits, he created a religious order that became a driving force in the Counter-Reformation and established a global network of schools, colleges, and universities. His method of spiritual formation, recorded in the *Spiritual Exercises*, has shaped the spiritual lives of countless individuals and remains a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality. The feast day is a time to reflect on his legacy of service, education, and missionary work.

The day also highlights the broader impact of Ignatian spirituality, which emphasizes finding God in all things, discernment, and a commitment to social justice. The Jesuits' fourth vow of obedience to the Pope has made them a key instrument of the Church's mission worldwide. For the many institutions named after him—such as Loyola University Maryland, Loyola University Chicago, and Ateneo de Manila University—the feast day is a celebration of their patron and the values he embodied.

Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, which grew into one of the largest and most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church.
His *Spiritual Exercises* provide a structured method of prayer and discernment used by millions.
He is the patron saint of Catholic soldiers, spiritual retreats, and several dioceses and countries.
Jesuit schools and universities worldwide continue his mission of education and service.
The feast day unites Jesuits and laypeople in honoring a saint whose life exemplified conversion, discipline, and devotion.

How to Celebrate Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola

Celebrating the Feast Day of Ignatius of Loyola can be a meaningful experience for both Catholics and those interested in Ignatian spirituality. Many Jesuit institutions hold special Masses, prayer services, or community gatherings. Individuals can participate by attending a local Jesuit church or university event, or by engaging in personal reflection on Ignatius's life and teachings. The day is also an opportunity to learn more about the Jesuits' work in education, social justice, and missionary service.

For a more personal celebration, consider incorporating elements of Ignatian spirituality into your day. The *Spiritual Exercises* offer a framework for prayer and discernment that can be adapted for a single day or a longer retreat. Reading about Ignatius's conversion story or the history of the Jesuits can deepen your appreciation for his legacy. Sharing the day with others through social media using hashtags like #31DaysWithIgnatius can also connect you with a global community of believers.

Attend a Mass or prayer service at a Jesuit church or university.
Read or meditate on a passage from the *Spiritual Exercises*.
Learn about the life of Saint Ignatius through a biography or documentary.
Support a Jesuit ministry, such as a school, refugee service, or social justice organization.
Share your reflections on social media using #31DaysWithIgnatius.