St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, was born 1491 in Spain. One of 13 children, he was inflamed with thoughts of love and knighthood in his youth. But at the age of 30, as a Spanish officer, he was severely injured. After reading the lives of the saints while recuperating, Ignatius experienced a conversion. He was moved by God to do great things, becoming an expert in spiritual direction.