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- In 1534 Ignatius and six others (including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber) pronounced vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. 

- In 1538, Ignatius celebrated his first Mass on Christmas morning at The Church of St Mary Major in Rome. 

-The Society of Jesus nicknamed the “Jesuits” became an official Catholic order approved by Pope Paul III in 1540.

- After much discernment, Ignatius became founder and first Superior General of the Jesuits.   He remained in Rome, where he composed the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus and penned over 6,800 letters. The initial seven members of the society would grow to over 1000.  Jesuit schools and churches were founded throughout Europe. He served until his death 16 years later.

- Ignatius of Loyola died on July 31, 1556.  St Ignatius of Loyola was beatified in 1609 and canonized, on March 12, 1622. His feast day is celebrated on July 31st. 

- Today, the Jesuits number more than 16,000 throughout the World including Pope Francis, the first Jesuit to be elected Pope. 

- St. Ignatius' spiritual insights gave birth to Ignatian Spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises.  

- From 2019-2029 Showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and the practice of discernment is the first of four Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus and is endorsed by the Pope.

- From May 2021 until July 2022, The Jesuits celebrated an” Ignatian Year” marking the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius’ conversion.