The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
Saint Ignatius Loyola

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

Table of Contents
The Autobiography of St. Ignatius....................................................................................................................1
Saint Ignatius Loyola...............................................................................................................................2
Editor's Preface........................................................................................................................................4
Preface of the Writer................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER I.............................................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER II............................................................................................................................................9CHAPTER III........................................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER IV........................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER V.........................................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER VI........................................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER VII.......................................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER VIII.....................................................................................................................................28
APPENDIX............................................................................................................................................31i

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

1The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

Saint Ignatius Loyola• Editor's Preface• Preface of the Writer• CHAPTER I• CHAPTER II• CHAPTER III• CHAPTER IV• CHAPTER V• CHAPTER VI• CHAPTER VII• CHAPTER VIII
• APPENDIX
Produced by Richard J. Shiffer and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries.)

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
OF
St. Ignatius
EDITED BY
J. F. X. O'CONOR, S.J.
NEW YORK, CINCINNATI, CHICAGOBENZIGER BROTHERS
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
1900
Imprimatur.
MICHAEL AUGUSTINE,ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK.
Nihil obstat.
EDWARDUS I. PURBRICK, S.J.,Præpositus Provincialis Provinciæ
Marylandiæ Neo−Eboracensis.
JACOBUS J. CASEY, S.J.,
Censor Deputatus.
2

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 1899.
COPYRIGHT, 1900, BY BENZIGER BROTHERS.
[Illustration: ST. IGNATIUS RECEIVING ST. FRANCIS BORGIA.][Illustration: ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA.][Illustration: THE FIRST VOWS AT MONTMARTRE OF ST. IGNATIUS AND COMPANIONS.
FATHER FABER CELEBRATING MASS.][Illustration: ST. IGNATIUS CONVERSING WITH ST. FRANCIS XAVIER AT THE UNIVERSITY
OF PARIS.][Illustration: ST. IGNATIUS AT THE HOLY SACRIFICE. Painted by Rubens.]

3

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

Editor's Preface

This account of the life of St. Ignatius, dictated by himself, is considered by the Bollandists the mostvaluable record of the great Founder of the Society of Jesus. The editors of the Stimmen Aus Maria Laach, theGerman review, as well as those of the English magazine, The Month, tell us that it, more than any otherwork, gives an insight into the spiritual life of St. Ignatius. Few works in ascetical literature, except thewritings of St. Teresa and St. Augustine, impart such a knowledge of the soul.
To understand fully the Spiritual Exercises, we should know something of the man who wrote them. In
this life of St. Ignatius, told in his own words, we acquire an intimate knowledge of the author of the
Exercises. We discern the Saint's natural disposition, which was the foundation of his spiritual character. We
learn of his conversion, his trials, the obstacles in his way, the heroism with which he accomplished his great
mission.
This autobiography of St. Ignatius is the groundwork of all the great lives of him that have been written.
Bartoli draws from it, Genelli develops it, the recent magnificent works of Father Clair, S.J., and of
Stewart Rose are amplifications of this simple story of the life of St. Ignatius.
The Saint in his narrative always refers to himself in the third person, and this mode of speech has here
been retained. Many persons who have neither the time, nor, perhaps, the inclination, to read larger works,
will read, we trust, with pleasure and profit this autobiography.
Ignatius, as he lay wounded in his brother's house, read the lives of the saints to while away the time.
Touched by grace, he cried, “What St. Francis and St. Dominic have done, that, by God's grace, I will do.”
May this little book, in like manner, inspire its readers with the desire of imitating St. Ignatius.
THE EDITOR.
EASTER, 1900.
COLLEGE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER,
NEW YORK.
Preface of Father Louis Gonzalez, S.J., to the “Acts of St. Ignatius,” received from the lips of the Saintand translated into Latin by Father Hannibal Codretto, S.J.

4

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

Preface of the Writer
Jesus, Mary. In the year 1553, one Friday morning, August 4, the eve of the feast of Our Lady of theSnows, while St. Ignatius was in the garden, I began to give him an account of my soul, and, among otherthings, I spoke to him of how I was tempted by vain glory. The spiritual advice he gave me was this: “Refer
everything that you do to God; strive to offer Him all the good you find in yourself, acknowledging that thiscomes from God, and thank Him for it.” The advice given to me on this occasion was so consoling to me that
I could not refrain from tears. St. Ignatius then related to me that for two years he had struggled against vain
glory; so much so, indeed, that when he was about to embark for Jerusalem at Barcelona he did not dare to tell
any one where he was going. He told me, moreover, that since that time his soul had experienced great peacein regard to this matter.
An hour or two later we went to dinner, and, while Master Polancus and I were dining with him, St.
Ignatius said that Master Natalis and others of the Society had often asked him to give a narrative of his life,
but he had never as yet decided to do so. On this occasion, however, after I had spoken to him, he reflected
upon it alone. He was favorably inclined toward it. From the way he spoke, it was evident God had
enlightened him. He had resolved to manifest the main points of his interior life up to the present, and hadconcluded that I was the one to whom he would make these things known.
At that time St. Ignatius was in very feeble health. He did not promise himself one day of life, but, on thecontrary, if any one were to say, “I shall do that within two weeks or a week,” St. Ignatius was accustomed tosay: “How is that? Do you think you are going to live that long?” However, on this occasion, he said he hoped
to live three or four months to finish the narrative. The next day when I asked him when he wished to begin,
he answered that I should remind him every day until he had an opportunity for it. As he could not find time,
partly on account of his many occupations, he told me to remind him of it every Sunday. In the following
September he called me, and began to relate his whole life clearly and distinctly with all the accompanying
circumstances. Afterward, in the same month, he called me three or four times, and told me the history of hislife up to the time of his dwelling at Manresa. The method followed by St. Ignatius is so clear that he places
vividly before our eyes the events of the past.
It was not necessary to ask him anything, as nothing important was omitted. I began to write down certain
points immediately, and I afterward filled out the details. I endeavored to write nothing that I did not hearfrom him. So closely did I adhere to his very words that afterward I was unable to explain the meaning ofsome of them. This narrative I wrote, as I have indicated above, up to September, 1553. From that time until
the 18th of October, 1554, when Father Natalis came, St. Ignatius did not continue the narrative, but pleaded
excuse on account of infirmities or other business, saying to me, “When such and such a business is settled,
remind me of it.” When that work was done, I recalled it to his memory. He replied, “Now I have that otheraffair on hand; when it is finished remind me.”Father Natalis was overjoyed that a beginning had been made, and told me to urge St. Ignatius to completeit, often saying to me, “In no other way can you do more good to the Society, for this is fundamentally theSociety.” He himself spoke to St. Ignatius about it, and I was told to remind him of it when the work in regard
to the founding of the college was finished. And when it was over, and the business with Prester John settled
and the courier had departed, we continued the history on the 9th of March, 1555. About this time Pope Julius
became ill, and died on the 23d of the same month. The narrative was then postponed until the election of the
new Pope, who died soon after his election. Our work remained untouched until Pope Paul mounted the papal
throne. On account of the great heat and many occupations, the biography did not make much progress until
the 21st of September, when there was question of sending me to Spain. And so he appointed the morning of
the 22d for a meeting in the red tower. After saying Mass I went to him to ask him if it were the time. He told
me to go and wait for him in the red tower. Supposing that I should have to wait a long while, I delayed on theporch, talking with a brother who asked me about something. When St. Ignatius came he reprimanded me
because, contrary to obedience, I had not waited for him in the appointed place, and he would not do anythingthat day. Then we urged him very earnestly to continue. So he came to the red tower, and, according to his
5The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
custom, dictated while walking.
While taking these notes I tried to see his face, and kept drawing near to him. He said to me, “Keep yourrule.” And as I approached again, and looked at him a second and a third time, he repeated what he had said
and then went away. Finally, after some time, he returned to the red tower to complete the dictation. As I was
about starting on my journey, and St. Ignatius spoke to me the day before my departure, I could not write out
the narrative in full at Rome. At Genoa where I went I had no Spanish secretary, so I dictated in Latin the
points I had brought with me, and finished the writing at Genoa in December, 1555.
ContentsPage
EDITOR'S PREFACE 5
PREFACE OF THE WRITER 9
CHAPTER I
His Military Life—He is wounded at the Siege of Pampeluna—HisCure—Spiritual Reading—The Apparition—The Gift of Chastity—His
Longing for the Journey to Jerusalem and for a Holier Life 19
CHAPTER II
Ignatius leaves his Native Land—What he did at Montserrat andManresa 30
CHAPTER III
Scruples—Heavenly Favors—Journey to Barcelona 47
CHAPTER IV
His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land 66
CHAPTER V
The Arrival in Apulia, Venice, Ferrara, and Genoa—He isapprehended as a Spy—He is despised as a Fool—His Studies at
Barcelona and Alcala 78
CHAPTER VI
The Prisons at Alcala and Salamanca 93
CHAPTER VII
His Studies in Paris, and Other Incidents of his Life 111
CHAPTER VIII
His Arrival in his Native Land and the Virtues practised
there—His Journey into Spain and Italy—The Famous Apparitionand his Life in the Same Place 129
APPENDIX
St. Ignatius and his Work for Education 145
Authors 155
The Educational Plan of St. Ignatius 156
The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
The Account of his Life dictated to Father Gonzalez by St. Ignatius

6

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER I
HIS MILITARY LIFE—HE IS WOUNDED AT THE SIEGE OF PAMPELUNA—HIS
CURE—SPIRITUAL READING—THE APPARITION—THE GIFT OF CHASTITY—HIS LONGING
FOR THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM AND FOR A HOLIER LIFE
Up to his twenty−sixth year the heart of Ignatius was enthralled by the vanities of the world. His specialdelight was in the military life, and he seemed led by a strong and empty desire of gaining for himself a great
name. The citadel of Pampeluna was held in siege by the French. All the other soldiers were unanimous inwishing to surrender on condition of freedom to leave, since it was impossible to hold out any longer; but
Ignatius so persuaded the commander, that, against the views of all the other nobles, he decided to hold thecitadel against the enemy.
When the day of assault came, Ignatius made his confession to one of the nobles, his companion in arms.
The soldier also made his to Ignatius. After the walls were destroyed, Ignatius stood fighting bravely until acannon ball of the enemy broke one of his legs and seriously injured the other.
When he fell, the citadel was surrendered. When the French took possession of the town, they showed
great admiration for Ignatius. After twelve or fifteen days at Pampeluna, where he received the best care fromthe physicians of the French army, he was borne on a litter to Loyola. His recovery was very slow, anddoctors and surgeons were summoned from all parts for a consultation. They decided that the leg should be
broken again, that the bones, which had knit badly, might be properly reset; for they had not been properly set
in the beginning, or else had been so jostled on the journey that a cure was impossible. He submitted to havehis flesh cut again. During the operation, as in all he suffered before and after, he uttered no word and gave nosign of suffering save that of tightly clenching his fists.
In the meantime his strength was failing. He could take no food, and showed other symptoms ofapproaching death. On the feast of St. John the doctors gave up hope of his recovery, and he was advised tomake his confession. Having received the sacraments on the eve of the feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul, towardevening the doctors said that if by the middle of the night there were no change for the better, he would surely
die. He had great devotion to St. Peter, and it so happened by the goodness of God that in the middle of thenight he began to grow better.
His recovery was so rapid that in a few days he was out of danger. As the bones of his leg settled andpressed upon each other, one bone protruded below the knee. The result was that one leg was shorter than theother, and the bone causing a lump there, made the leg seem quite deformed. As he could not bear this, since
he intended to live a life at court, he asked the doctors whether the bone could be cut away. They replied thatit could, but it would cause him more suffering than all that had preceded, as everything was healed, and theywould need space in order to cut it. He determined, however, to undergo this torture.
His elder brother looked on with astonishment and admiration. He said he could never have had thefortitude to suffer the pain which the sick man bore with his usual patience. When the flesh and the bone that
protruded were cut away, means were taken to prevent the leg from becoming shorter than the other. For thispurpose, in spite of sharp and constant pain, the leg was kept stretched for many days. Finally the Lord gave
him health. He came out of the danger safe and strong with the exception that he could not easily stand on hisleg, but was forced to lie in bed.
As Ignatius had a love for fiction, when he found himself out of danger he asked for some romances topass away the time. In that house there was no book of the kind. They gave him, instead, “The Life of Christ,”
by Rudolph, the Carthusian, and another book called the “Flowers of the Saints,” both in Spanish. By frequentreading of these books he began to get some love for spiritual things. This reading led his mind to meditate on
holy things, yet sometimes it wandered to thoughts which he had been accustomed to dwell upon before.
Among these there was one thought which, above the others, so filled his heart that he became, as it were,
immersed and absorbed in it. Unconsciously, it engaged his attention for three and four hours at a time. He
pictured to himself what he should do in honor of an illustrious lady, how he should journey to the city where
she was, in what words he would address her, and what bright and pleasant sayings he would make use of,7

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
what manner of warlike exploits he should perform to please her. He was so carried away by this thought that
he did not even perceive how far beyond his power it was to do what he proposed, for she was a lady
exceedingly illustrious and of the highest nobility.
In the meantime the divine mercy was at work substituting for these thoughts others suggested by his
recent readings. While perusing the life of Our Lord and the saints, he began to reflect, saying to himself:“What if I should do what St. Francis did?” “What if I should act like St. Dominic?” He pondered over thesethings in his mind, and kept continually proposing to himself serious and difficult things. He seemed to feel acertain readiness for doing them, with no other reason except this thought: “St. Dominic did this; I, too, will
do it.” “St. Francis did this; therefore I will do it.” These heroic resolutions remained for a time, and thenother vain and worldly thoughts followed. This succession of thoughts occupied him for a long while, thoseabout God alternating with those about the world. But in these thoughts there was this difference. When hethought of worldly things it gave him great pleasure, but afterward he found himself dry and sad. But when hethought of journeying to Jerusalem, and of living only on herbs, and practising austerities, he found pleasure
not only while thinking of them, but also when he had ceased.
This difference he did not notice or value, until one day the eyes of his soul were opened and he began toinquire the reason of the difference. He learned by experience that one train of thought left him sad, the otherjoyful. This was his first reasoning on spiritual matters. Afterward, when he began the Spiritual Exercises, he
was enlightened, and understood what he afterward taught his children about the discernment of spirits. When
gradually he recognized the different spirits by which he was moved, one, the spirit of God, the other, thedevil, and when he had gained no little spiritual light from the reading of pious books, he began to think more
seriously of his past life, and how much penance he should do to expiate his past sins.
Amid these thoughts the holy wish to imitate saintly men came to his mind; his resolve was not moredefinite than to promise with the help of divine grace that what they had done he also would do. After his
recovery his one wish was to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He fasted frequently and scourged himself tosatisfy the desire of penance that ruled in a soul filled with the spirit of God.
The vain thoughts were gradually lessened by means of these desires—desires that were not a little
strengthened by the following vision. While watching one night he plainly saw the image of the Blessed
Mother of God with the Infant Jesus, at the sight of which, for a considerable time, he received abundantconsolation, and felt such contrition for his past life that he thought of nothing else. From that time until
August, 1555, when this was written, he never felt the least motion of concupiscence. This privilege we may
suppose from this fact to have been a divine gift, although we dare not state it, nor say anything except
confirm what has been already said. His brother and all in the house recognized from what appeared
externally how great a change had taken place in his soul.
He continued his reading meanwhile, and kept the holy resolution he had made. At home his conversation
was wholly devoted to divine things, and helped much to the spiritual advancement of others.

8The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER II
IGNATIUS LEAVES HIS NATIVE LAND—WHAT HE DID AT MONTSERRAT AND AT
MANRESA
Ignatius, starting from his father's house, set out upon his journey on horseback. About this time he began
his habit of taking the discipline every night. His brother desired to accompany him as far as Ogna, and during
the journey was persuaded by the Saint to pass one night of watching at the shrine of Our Blessed Lady at
Aruncuz. Having prayed some time at the shrine for new strength for his journey, leaving his brother at Ogna
at the house of their sister, to whom he paid a short visit, he journeyed on to Navarre. Remembering that an
official in the Duke's palace owed him some money, he collected it by sending in a written account to thetreasurer, and distributed it among persons to whom he felt indebted. A portion of the money he devoted to
the restoration of a picture of the Blessed Virgin. Then dismissing his two remaining servants, he rode forthalone from Navarre in the direction of Montserrat, a mountain town of Catalonia in the northern part of Spain.
It will not be amiss to recall an event that occurred during this journey, to show the manner in which God
directed him. Although filled with an ardent desire of serving God, yet his knowledge of spiritual things was
still very obscure. He had undertaken to perform extraordinary penances, not so much with a view to satisfy
for his sins as with the intention of doing something pleasing to his Lord. He declared indeed that thoughfilled with the liveliest abhorrence of his past sins, he could not assure himself that they were forgiven; yet in
his austerities so intense was his desire to do great things for Christ that he did not think of his sins. When herecalled the penances practised by holy persons, his whole mind was bent on doing something to equal andeven surpass them. In this holy ambition he found his consolation, for he had no interior motive for his
penances, knowing as yet very little about humility or charity or patience, for to obtain these many holy men
have led austere lives. He knew still less the value of discretion, which regulates the practice of these virtues.
To do something great for the glory of his God, to emulate saintly men in all that they had done before
him—this was the only object of Ignatius in his practices of external mortification.
While he journeyed on, a Saracen mounted on a horse came up with him. In the course of the conversation
mention was made of the Blessed Virgin. The stranger remarked that though he admitted that the Mother ofChrist had conceived without detriment to her virginal purity, yet he could not believe that after theconception of her divine Son she was still a virgin. He was so obstinate in holding this opinion, that no
amount of reasoning on the part of Ignatius could force him to abandon it. Shortly afterward the Saracen rodeon, leaving the pilgrim to his own reflections. These were not of the most peaceful nature. He was sorely
troubled as he thought over the conduct of his recent fellow−traveler, and felt that he had but poorly acquitted
himself of his duty of honoring the Mother of God. The longer his mind thought upon the matter, the more hissoul was filled with indignation against himself for having allowed the Saracen to speak as he had done of theBlessed Virgin, and for the lack of courage he fancied he had shown in not at once resenting the insult. He
consequently felt impelled by a strong impulse to hasten after him and slay the miscreant for the insulting
language he had used. After much internal conflict with these thoughts, he still remained in doubt, nor could
he decide what course to follow. The Saracen, who had ridden on, had mentioned to him that it was his
intention to proceed to a town not far distant from the highroad. At length, Ignatius, wearied by his inward
struggle and not arriving at any determination, decided to settle all his doubts in the following novel way: hewould give free rein to his horse, and if, on coming to the cross−road, his horse should turn into the path that
led to the destination of the Moor, he would pursue him and kill him; but if his horse kept to the highroad hewould allow the wretch to escape. Having done as he had decided, it happened through the Providence of God
that his horse kept to the highroad, though the place was distant only about thirty or forty yards, and the way
leading to it was very wide and easy.
Arriving at a large village situated a short distance from Montserrat, he determined to procure a garment towear on his journey to Jerusalem. He therefore bought a piece of sackcloth, poorly woven, and filled withprickly wooden fibres. Of this he made a garment that reached to his feet. He bought, also, a pair of shoes ofcoarse stuff that is often used in making brooms. He never wore but one shoe, and that not for the sake of the
9The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
comfort to be derived from it, but because, as he was in the habit of wearing a cord tied below the knee by
way of mortification, this leg would be very much swollen at night, though he rode all day on horseback. For
this reason, he felt he ought to wear a shoe on that foot. He provided himself also with a pilgrim's staff and a
gourd to drink from. All these he tied to his saddle.
Thus equipped, he continued on his way to Montserrat, pondering in his mind, as was his wont, on thegreat things he would do for the love of God. And as he had formerly read the stories of Amadeus of Gaul andother such writers, who told how the Christian knights of the past were accustomed to spend the entire night,
preceding the day on which they were to receive knighthood, on guard before an altar of the Blessed Virgin,
he was filled with these chivalric fancies, and resolved to prepare himself for a noble knighthood by passing anight in vigil before an altar of Our Lady at Montserrat. He would observe all the formalities of thisceremony, neither sitting nor lying down, but alternately standing and kneeling, and there he would lay aside
his worldly dignities to assume the arms of Christ.
When he arrived at Montserrat, he passed a long time in prayer, and with the consent of his confessor hemade in writing a general confession of his sins. Three whole days were employed in this undertaking. He
begged and obtained leave of his confessor to give up his horse, and to hang up his sword and his dagger inthe church, near the altar of the Blessed Virgin. This confessor was the first to whom he unfolded his interior,and disclosed his resolution of devoting himself to a spiritual life. Never before had he manifested his purposeto anybody.
The eve of the Annunciation of Our Blessed Lady in the year 1522 was the time he chose to carry out the
project he had formed. At nightfall, unobserved by any one, he approached a beggar, and taking off his own
costly garments gave them to the beggar. He then put on the pilgrim's dress he had previously bought, andhastened to the church, where he threw himself on his knees before the altar of the Blessed Mother of God,and there, now kneeling, now standing, with staff in hand, he passed the entire night.
After receiving the Blessed Sacrament, to avoid recognition he left the town at daybreak. He did not go by
the direct route that leads to Barcelona, as he might have met those who knew him and would honor him, but
he took a byway that led him to a town called Manresa. Here he determined to remain a few days in thehospital and write out some notes in his little book, which for his own consolation he carefully carried about
with him. At about a league's distance from Montserrat, he was overtaken by a man who had ridden after him
at a rapid pace. This man accosted him and inquired if he had given certain garments to a poor man, as thelatter had declared. Ignatius answered that it was true that he had given them to a beggar. On learning that thelatter had been ill−treated because he was suspected of having stolen the clothes, the eyes of Ignatius filledwith tears, in pity for the poor man.
Although he had fled so anxiously from the praise of men, he did not remain long at Manresa before many
marvellous things were narrated of him. This fame arose from what had occurred at Montserrat. His reputation
increased day by day. Men vied with each other in adding some particulars about his sanctity, declaring that
he had abandoned immense revenues, and other wonderful things without much regard to real facts.
At Manresa he lived on the alms that he daily begged. He never ate meat nor partook of wine, though they
were offered him. On Sundays, however, he never fasted, and if wine were offered him, he drank of it
sparingly. In former days he had been very careful of his hair, which he had worn, and, indeed, notunbecomingly, in the fashionable manner of the young men of his age; but now he determined to cease to carefor it, neither to comb it nor to cut it, and to dispense with all covering for his head both day and night. To
punish himself for the too great nicety which he had formerly had in the care of his hands and feet, he now
resolved to neglect them.
It was while he was living at the hospital at Manresa that the following strange event took place. Veryfrequently on a clear moonlight night there appeared in the courtyard before him an indistinct shape which hecould not see clearly enough to tell what it was. Yet it appeared so symmetrical and beautiful that his soul was
filled with pleasure and joy as he gazed at it. It had something of the form of a serpent with glittering eyes,
and yet they were not eyes. He felt an indescribable joy steal over him at the sight of this object. The oftener
he saw it, the greater was the consolation he derived from it, and when the vision left him, his soul was filledwith sorrow and sadness.
Up to this period he had remained in a constant state of tranquillity and consolation, without any interior
10The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
knowledge of the trials that beset the spiritual life. But during the time that the vision lasted, sometimes fordays, or a little previous to that time, his soul was violently agitated by a thought that brought him no little
uneasiness. There flashed upon his mind the idea of the difficulty that attended the kind of life he had begun,and he felt as if he heard some one whispering to him, “How can you keep up for seventy years of your life
these practices which you have begun?” Knowing that this thought was a temptation of the evil one, he
expelled it by this answer: “Can you, wretched one, promise me one hour of life?” In this manner heovercame the temptation, and his soul was restored to peace. This was his first trial besides what has alreadybeen narrated, and it came upon him suddenly one day as he was entering the church. He was accustomed tohear Mass daily, and to assist at Vespers and Compline—devotions from which he derived much consolation.
During Mass, he always read over the history of the Passion, and his soul was filled with a joyful feeling ofuninterrupted calm.
Shortly after the temptation just spoken of, he began to experience great changes in his soul. At one time
he was deprived of all consolation, so that he found no pleasure in vocal prayer, in hearing Mass, or in any
spiritual exercise. At another, on the contrary, he suddenly felt as if all sorrow and desolation were taken fromhim, experiencing the relief of one from whose shoulders a heavy cloak had suddenly been lifted. On noticing
all this, he was surprised, wondering what could be the import of these changes which he had never before
experienced, and he said to himself, “What new kind of life is this upon which I am entering?”
At this time he became acquainted with some holy persons who manifested great confidence in him, andgladly conversed with him; for though he had, as yet, little knowledge of spiritual things, still he spoke withgreat fervor on religious subjects, and incited his hearers to make greater progress in the way of God's service.
Among those holy persons who dwelt at Manresa, there was one lady well advanced in years who had long
been given to the service of God, and who was so well known in many places in Spain that his Catholic
Majesty, the King of Spain, had desired her presence on one occasion in order to take counsel with her aboutcertain projects that he had in his mind. This lady, speaking one day to our new soldier of Christ, said to him,
“Would that the Lord Jesus might appear to you some day!” Ignatius, wondering at her words, understood in a
literal sense, and asked her, “What would He look like if He were to show Himself to me?”He always persevered in his custom of approaching the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion
every week. But herein he found a great source of anxiety on account of the scruples with which he wasannoyed. For though he had written out his general confession at Montserrat, and with great diligence andcare had tried to make it complete, yet he always felt that he had forgotten something in his confession, andthis caused him much anxiety. Even though he should now confess it again, he received no consolation. He
tried then to find a spiritual person, who could give him relief in his trouble, but he found no one. Finally, acertain doctor who had experience in spiritual things, and who was a preacher in the church, advised him to
write down anything he remembered and feared that he had not confessed. He obeyed, and even after he had
confessed these sins, his scruples still continued to fill his soul, and he was constantly recalling minor details
that he had not confessed. In this way he was cruelly tormented. He knew well that these scruples caused nolittle harm to the spiritual life, and that it was most expedient to get rid of them, yet they continued to torture
him. At times it occurred to him that it would be well if he could have his confessor command him in thename of the Lord Jesus not again to confess anything of his past sins; and he inwardly prayed that his
confessor would give him some such command, but he could not bring himself to ask him to do so.

11The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER III
SCRUPLES—HEAVENLY FAVORS—JOURNEY TO BARCELONAAt last his confessor, without any suggestion on the part of the penitent, commanded him to confessnothing of his past life, except what was very clear and evident. But as he regarded everything of the past as
evident, the confessor's order did not help him at all. He was in constant anxiety. At that time he lived in the
Dominican monastery, in a little cell which the Fathers had allotted to him. He kept up his usual custom ofpraying on bended knees for seven hours a day, and scourged himself three times a day and during the night.
But all this did not remove his scruples, which had been tormenting him for months. One day, when terribly
tormented, he began to pray. During his prayer, he cried out to God in a loud voice: “O Lord, help me, for I
find no remedy among men, nor in any creature! If I thought I could find one, no labor would seem too great
to me. Show me some one! O Lord! where may I find one? I am willing to do anything to find relief.”
While tortured by these thoughts, several times he was violently tempted to cast himself out of the large
window of his cell. This window was quite near the place where he was praying. But since he knew that it
would be a sin to take his own life, he began to pray, “O Lord, I will not do anything to offend Thee.” Herepeated these words frequently with his former prayer, when there came to his mind the story of a certain
holy man, who, to obtain of God some favor which he ardently desired, spent many days without food, until
he obtained the favor he asked. He determined to do the same. He resolved in his heart neither to eat nor drink
until God should look upon him in mercy, or until he should find himself at the point of death; then only
should he eat.
This resolution was taken on a Sunday after communion, and for a whole week he neither ate nor drank
anything; in the meantime he practised his usual penances, recited the Divine Office, prayed on bended knees
at the appointed times, and rose at midnight. On the following Sunday, when about to make his usual
confession, as he had been in the habit of making known to his confessor everything he had done, even thesmallest detail, he told him that he had not eaten anything during the past week. Hereupon his confessor badehim break his fast. Although he felt that he still had sufficient strength to continue without food, neverthelesshe obeyed his confessor, and on that day and the next he was free from scruples. On the third day, however,which was Tuesday, while standing in prayer, the remembrance of his sins came back to him. One suggested
another, until he passed in review, one after another, all his past sins. He then thought he ought to repeat his
general confession. After these thoughts a sort of disgust seized him, so that he felt an inclination to give up
the life he was leading. While in this state, God was pleased to arouse him as it were from sleep, and to relieve
him of his trouble. As he had acquired some experience in the discernment of spirits, he profited by thelessons he had learned of God, and began to examine how that spirit had entered into possession of his soul;then he resolved never again to speak of his past sins in confession. From that day he was free from scruples,and felt certain that it was the will of our merciful Lord to deliver him from his trouble of soul.
Besides the seven hours devoted to prayer, he spent a portion of his time in assisting souls who came tohim for advice. During the rest of the day he gave his thoughts to God, pondering on what he had read or
meditated that day. When he retired, it often happened that wonderful illuminations and great spiritualconsolations came to him, so that he abridged the short time he had already allotted to sleep. Once while
thinking over this matter he concluded that he had given sufficient time for conversation with God, and that
moreover the whole day was also given to Him. Then he began to doubt whether these illuminations werefrom the Good Spirit. Finally he came to the conclusion that it would be better to give up a portion and to give
sufficient time to sleep. This he did.
While he persevered in his resolution to abstain from meat, it happened on a certain morning after rising,that a dish of cooked meat seemed to be set before him. He appeared to see it with his eyes, although he had
felt no previous craving for it. At the same time he afterward experienced within himself a certain movementof the will, urging him to eat meat. Although the remembrance of his former resolution came to mind, he had
no doubt about determining to eat meat. When he made this known to his confessor, the latter advised him toconsider whether it was a temptation or not. Pondering over it, he felt certain that he was right. At that period
12The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
God dealt with him as a teacher instructing a pupil. Was this on account of his ignorance or dulness, or
because he had no one else to teach him? Or on account of the fixed resolve he had of serving God, withwhich God Himself had inspired him, for the light given him could not possibly be greater? He was firmly
convinced, both then and afterward, that God had treated him thus because it was the better spiritual training
for him. The five following points will prove what he says:—
In the first place, he had a great devotion to the Blessed Trinity. Every day he prayed to each of the three
Persons and to the whole Trinity. While thus praying to the Blessed Trinity, the thought came of how to offer
fourfold prayers to the Divinity. This thought, however, caused him little or no trouble. Once, while recitingon the steps of the monastery the little hours in honor of the Blessed Virgin, his vision carried him beyond theearth. He seemed to behold the Blessed Trinity in the form of a lyre or harp; this vision affected him so muchthat he could not refrain from tears and sighs. On the same day he accompanied the procession from thechurch, but even up to the time of dinner he could not withhold his tears, and after dinner his joy andconsolation were so great that he could speak of no subject except the Blessed Trinity. In these conversations
he made use of many different comparisons to illustrate his thoughts. Such an impression was made on him onthat occasion that during his after life, whenever he prayed to the Blessed Trinity, he experienced great
devotion.
At another time, to his great joy, God permitted him to understand how He had created this world. Thisvision presented to him a white object, with rays emanating from it. From this object God sent forth light.
However, he could not clearly explain this vision, nor could he recall the illuminations given to him by God
on that occasion. During his stay of about a year at Manresa, after he had begun to receive from God
consolations, and fruitful lights for the direction of others, he gave up his former rigorous penances. At thattime he trimmed his nails and hair. During the time of his residence at Manresa, while assisting at Mass, he
had another vision in the church of the monastery. At the elevation of the body of Christ Our Lord he beheld,with the eyes of his soul, white rays descending from above. Although he cannot, after so long an interval,
explain the details of this vision, still the manner in which Our Lord Jesus Christ is present in the Blessed
Sacrament was clearly and vividly stamped upon his mind. Often in prayer, and even during a long space oftime, did he see the humanity of Christ with the eyes of the soul. The form under which this vision appeared
was that of a white body, neither large nor small; besides, there seemed to be no distinction of members in His
body. This vision appeared to him often at Manresa, perhaps twenty or even forty times, once at Jerusalem,and once when he was at Padua. He saw the Blessed Virgin under the same form, without any distinction ofmembers. These visions gave him such strength that he often thought within himself, that even though
Scripture did not bear witness to these mysteries of faith, still, from what he had seen, it would be his duty to
lay down his life for them.
One day he went to the Church of St. Paul, situated about a mile from Manresa. Near the road is a stream,on the bank of which he sat, and gazed at the deep waters flowing by. While seated there, the eyes of his soulwere opened. He did not have any special vision, but his mind was enlightened on many subjects, spiritual andintellectual. So clear was this knowledge that from that day everything appeared to him in a new light. Suchwas the abundance of this light in his mind that all the divine helps received, and all the knowledge acquired
up to his sixty−second year, were not equal to it.
From that day he seemed to be quite another man, and possessed of a new intellect. This illumination
lasted a long time. While kneeling in thanksgiving for this grace, there appeared to him that object which hehad often seen before, but had never understood. It seemed to be something most beautiful, and, as it were,gleaming with many eyes. This is how it always appeared. There was a cross near which he was praying, andhe noticed that near the cross the vision had lost some of its former beautiful color. He understood from thisthat the apparition was the work of the devil, and whenever the vision appeared to him after that, as it did
several times, he dispelled it with his staff.
During a violent fever at Manresa, he thought he was near his death. The thought then came to his mind
that he was already justified before God. Calling to mind his sins, he tried to combat the thought, but could
not overcome it, and this struggle to overcome the temptation caused him much more suffering than the fever
itself. After the fever had somewhat abated, and he was out of danger, he cried out to some noble ladies who
had come to visit him, and asked them for the love of God, to cry out aloud the next time they should find him
13

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
near death, “O sinner!” and “Remember the sins by which you have offended God.”On another occasion, while sailing from Valencia to Italy, in the midst of a violent storm, the rudder was
broken, and he and every one on board were convinced that the ship must founder unless help came fromabove. Then, as he examined his conscience and prepared for death, he had no dread on account of past sins,nor fear of eternal punishment, but he experienced intense shame and sorrow at the thought of not having
made a good use of the favors and graces which God had bestowed upon him. Again, in the year 1550, he wasdangerously ill, and in his own judgment and that of others he was about to die. This time, however, wheneverhe thought of death, such consolation poured into his soul that he wept tears of joy. He continued in this state
so long that he often had to divert his mind from the thought of death, lest he should find in the thought too
much consolation.
In the beginning of another winter he became very ill, and was placed under the care of the father of a man
named Ferrera, who afterward entered the service of Balthasar Faria. Here he was very carefully attended.
Several ladies of the highest rank were very devoted to him, and came every night to watch beside him. Whenhe began to recover, he was still extremely weak, and suffered from severe pains in the stomach. These twocauses, together with the intense cold and the entreaties of his attendants, induced him to wear shoes, warmer
clothing, and a cap. He was obliged to accept two small coats of coarse grayish stuff, and a small cap of thesame color. During that illness his constant wish was to speak of spiritual things, and to find some one who
could talk upon such subjects. Meanwhile the time which he had determined upon for his journey to Jerusalem
was approaching.
In the beginning of the year 1523, therefore, he set out for Barcelona. Many offered to accompany him,
but he refused, as he wished to go alone. He expected to derive great advantage from placing his whole trust
in God alone. Several were very earnest, and insisted that as he knew neither Latin nor Italian, he should not
go alone, but should take with him a certain companion whom they praised very much. Ignatius replied thateven were he the son or brother of the Duke of Cordova, he would not take him as a companion, as he wishedonly three virtues,—Faith, Hope, and Charity. If he took a companion, when hungry he would look to his
companion for food; if exhausted, he would call on his companion for help; and so he would confide in his
companion, and have some affection for him: whereas he wished to place all this confidence, hope, andaffection in God alone. These words were not a mere expression of the lips, but they were the true sentimentsof his heart. For these reasons he wished to embark not only alone, but even without any provision for thevoyage. When he arranged about his passage, the captain agreed to take him free, as he had no money; but on
condition that he should take with him as much sailors' bread as would suffice for his sustenance. Were it notfor this condition imposed by the captain, Ignatius would have refused to take with him any provision at all.
When he thought of procuring bread, he was much troubled with scruples. “Is this your hope and faith inGod, who, you were sure, would not fail you?” The force and violence of the temptation were such that he
was greatly distressed. Good reasons on both sides presented themselves. Finally, in his perplexity, hedetermined to leave the matter to his confessor. He told him first of his great desire to go to Jerusalem, and todo everything for the greater glory of God. Then he gave the reasons for not taking provisions for the voyage.
His confessor decided that he ought to beg what was necessary and take it with him. He went to a lady of rank
to ask for what he needed. When she asked where he was going, he hesitated a little about telling his finaldestination, and replied that he was going to Italy and Rome. She was somewhat astonished at this, andreplied: “To Rome? Why, as to those who go there—well, I do not like to say what they are when they
return.” She meant by this that as most of those who went to Rome did not go through motives of piety anddevotion, when they returned they were not much better. The reason of his not openly declaring that heintended to go to the holy city of Jerusalem was his dread of yielding to vain glory. In fact, he was so muchtroubled by this fear that he was afraid to make known even the place of his birth or the name of his family.
When he had secured the bread, before going on board he took care to leave behind him, on a bench on thewharf, five or six Spanish coins, which had been given to him as alms.
[Illustration: OUR LADY OF THE WAYSIDE. Favorite Picture of St. Ignatius.]
He was obliged to remain at Barcelona more than twenty days before the ship was ready to sail. Duringthat time, in accordance with his custom, in order to speak with spiritual men about his soul, he sought themout even though dwelling in hermitages at a long distance from the city. But neither then, nor during the14The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
whole time of his stay at Manresa, could he find any one who could help him to advance as he wished. He met
one woman, however, who seemed to be thoroughly acquainted with the spiritual life. She promised to pray toJesus Christ and to ask Him to appear to Ignatius in person. In consequence of this promise, after leaving
Barcelona, he gave up all anxiety about finding souls advanced in the spiritual life.

15

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER IVHIS JOURNEY TO ROME, VENICE, JERUSALEM, AND THE HOLY LAND
After a voyage of five days and nights the vessel in which they set out from Barcelona reached Gaeta, andthe pilgrim disembarked and started for Rome, although there was danger there on account of the plague.
After reaching the city, he found the gates closed. He spent the night in a damp church, and in the morningsought to enter the city, but could not obtain permission. As no alms could be obtained outside of the city, hewished to go on to a neighboring village, but for sheer weakness, the pilgrim could go no farther. On that day
it happened that a great procession came out of the city. On inquiry the pilgrim learned that the Duchess wasin the throng. He approached her, told her that his malady was simply the effect of weakness, and asked
permission to enter the city to get relief. She readily consented. He was successful and his strength returned,
and two days later he resumed his journey, reaching Rome on Palm Sunday.
Those whom he met at Rome knew he had no money for his journey to Jerusalem. They tried to dissuade
him from his undertaking, alleging that such a journey was impossible without money. He felt assured,
however, that everything needed for his voyage would be at hand when required. Accordingly, on the octaveof Easter, he received the blessing of Adrian VI and left Rome for Venice. He had in his possession six orseven pieces of gold which they had given him to pay his passage from Venice as far as Jerusalem. He hadtaken this money with him from Venice only because they had convinced him that without it he could notreach Jerusalem. On the third day from the time he set out from Rome, he realized that this fear had comefrom a want of confidence, and was sorry he had accepted the money, and was deliberating about giving it
away. Finally, however, he determined to spend it on those he met, who were chiefly beggars. The result wasthat when he came to Venice he had only four coins left, and these were necessary for his lodging that night.
On this journey to Venice, on account of sentinels placed around the cities, he was obliged to sleep outside
the walls. The dread of the pestilence was so great that one morning on rising he saw a man fleeing from him
in terror. Pursuing his journey, he reached Chizoa with several others who had joined him on the road. Therehe learned that he would not be allowed to enter the city. He then proceeded with his companions to Padua, to
get the testimony of a notary that the party was not stricken with the plague. Ignatius could not, on account of
his weakness, keep pace with the others, and was left alone in an open field. Then Christ appeared to him, as
He had appeared on former occasions. By this vision he was greatly strengthened and consoled. The nextmorning, filled with new courage, he came to the gate of the city, and although provided with no certificate,entered unquestioned by the guard. In the same way he left the city unquestioned. His companions were
surprised at this, for they had to present a certificate, which he had taken no pains to procure. At Venice they
begged their food, and slept in St. Mark's Square. Ignatius refused to go to the house of the Ambassador, andalthough he made no effort to get money for his voyage to Jerusalem, he felt sure nevertheless that God would
provide him with means.
One day he met a rich Spaniard, who asked him whither he was going, and having learned his intention,
brought him to dine at his house. Here he remained for several days. From the time he left Manresa, Ignatius,
while seated at table with others, had made it a practice never to speak except to give a brief answer toquestions. However, he heard all that was said, and took occasion after dinner to give the conversation aspiritual turn. His host and all his family were so filled with admiration for him that they tried to induce him
to remain with them, and introduced him to the Doge of Venice. The latter offered him accommodations on
the government ship about to sail for Cyprus. Many pilgrims had assembled at Venice to go to Jerusalem, but
the greater part hesitated through fear, as the Island of Rhodes had fallen into the hands of the Turks. Thirteen
sailed in the pilgrims' ship, which was the first to weigh anchor. The government ship carried eight or nine.
About the time of departure Ignatius was taken ill with a fever, which lasted several days. On the day ofsailing he took the prescribed medicine, and asked the doctor if he could go. The doctor replied he could if hewished the vessel to be his tomb. Nevertheless he went on board, and after a fit of illness soon recovered.
The licentious conduct of those on board Ignatius severely censured. The Spaniards advised him not to do
this, as the rest thought of abandoning him on an island. But the wind quickly conveyed them to Cyprus. From
16

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
Cyprus they went to another port called Salinae, ten leagues distant. Here he went on board the ship of thepilgrims, with no other provision than his hope in Providence. During all that voyage, the Lord often appeared
to him, and gave him great consolation. The visions seemed to take the form of something large, round, andgolden. The travelers reached Joppa, and seated on asses, after the custom of that region, they journeyed toJerusalem. A noble Spanish gentleman, named Didacus Minez, as the pilgrims came in sight of the city,
recommended silence and recollection.
All followed his suggestion, and when they saw a monk approaching with a crucifix, dismounted. On
beholding the city, Ignatius was deeply affected, and the rest affirmed that they experienced a sort of heavenly
joy. He always felt this same devotion whenever he visited the holy places. He decided to remain in
Jerusalem, in order to visit the holy places often. For this purpose he had taken with him letters ofrecommendation to the Father Guardian. On presenting them, he said that he intended to remain there tosatisfy his own devotion, but said nothing of his purpose of helping others. The Father Guardian told him he
did not see how this could be possible, as his house was not even capable of providing for his own Religious,and he intended to send some away from the Holy Land. Ignatius said he wished him merely to hear his
confession, since he had come to make it. The Father Guardian said this could be done, but he should wait for
the arrival of the Provincial, who was then at Bethlehem. Relying on this promise, Ignatius began to write
letters to spiritual persons at Barcelona. He had written some on the day before he was to depart, when he wassummoned in the name of the Father Guardian and the Provincial. Then the Provincial, addressing him kindly,
said he had heard of his pious determination to remain in the holy places, and had given it serious thought.
Many others had the same desire, some had died, others had been taken prisoners, and to his Order was left
the work of ransoming captives, wherefore he should prepare himself to resume his journey with the pilgrims
on the following day. To this Ignatius answered that his resolution was very fixed, and he did not think thatanything would keep him from executing it. If the precept did not bind him under pain of sin, he would notallow any fear to keep him from carrying out his desire. The Provincial said he had authority from the Holy
See to detain those he thought fit, and to even excommunicate those who would not obey when stopped byhim, and he thought in this case it was better for him not to remain. When he wished to show the pontificalpapers giving him power to excommunicate, Ignatius said there was no need, as he believed his word. If they
had the authority, he would obey.
After this, returning to where he was before, he was seized with a great longing to visit Mount Olivet
again before he departed, since the Divine Will would not suffer him to remain in those holy places. On thatmountain is a rock from which Our Lord ascended to heaven, on which even now His footprints are visible.
And this is what he wished to see again. Therefore, without telling any one, and without a guide, although it
was a dangerous thing to go without a Turkish guard, secretly withdrawing he went to Mount Olivet alone. As
the guards would not allow him to enter, he gave them his knife. After great consolation in prayer he desired
to go to Bethphage. When he reached that place, he thought that on Mount Olivet he had not noticed theposition of the right foot of Our Lord and that of the left. He came a second time, and gave his scissors to theguards to allow him to enter. Afterward when at the monastery it was discovered he had gone without a guide,a great search was made for him. Coming down from Mount Olivet he met a girdled Christian, those who arebound to wear a girdle to distinguish them from the Mussulmans; this man, pretending to be very angry,
threatened him with a large stick, and approaching, firmly grasped him by the arm. He allowed himself to beled, but the good man once he had hold of him did not let him go. In the meantime, as he was thus led along a
captive, he was visited with great consolation, as he seemed to see Christ walking above him. And thiscontinued until he reached the monastery.

17

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER V
HIS ARRIVAL IN APULIA, VENICE, FERRARA, AND GENOA—HE IS APPREHENDED AS A
SPY—HE IS DESPISED AS A FOOL—HIS STUDIES AT BARCELONA AND ALCALA
On the following day the pilgrims took their departure, and arriving at Cyprus, were assigned to different
vessels. In the harbor of that place were three or four ships bound for Venice. Of these one belonged to some
Turks; another was too small; but the third, the property of a wealthy Venetian, was very large and strong.
Some of the band asked the captain of this last to take the pilgrim aboard; but, finding that no pay was to
be offered, he refused, in spite of the fact that many begged him and were loud in their praises of the pilgrim.
His reply was, that if the pilgrim were indeed a holy man, he might cross the sea as St. James did.
The favor they asked was easily obtained of the captain of the smaller ship.
On a certain day they set sail with a favorable wind, but toward evening a storm arose, which tossed thevessels about in different directions. The large ship, whose captain had refused to take Ignatius, was driven by
the tempest against the Island of Cyprus, and dashed to pieces. A like fate overtook the Turkish vessel. The
small ship, however, though for a long time severely tried by wind and waves, finally reached the shores of
Apulia in safety.
Although the winter had set in with intense cold and a heavy fall of snow, Ignatius had no garments save apair of knee−breeches of a very rough texture, leaving the legs naked, a black waistcoat open and quite ragged
about his shoulders, a light cloak made of coarse hair, and a pair of shoes. He arrived at Venice about the
middle of January, having spent a good part of the preceding month and all of November aboard the ship
which carried him from Cyprus.
At Venice, he met a friend who had been kind to him on his way to Jerusalem. From him he received alms
and some cloth, which he wrapped about his body as a protection against the intense cold.
When Ignatius understood that God did not wish him to remain at Jerusalem, he began to consider what heshould do. The plan he approved and adopted was to enter upon a course of study in order to be better fitted tosave souls. For this purpose he determined to go to Barcelona, and setting out from Venice he traveled toward
Genoa.
While praying at the principal church of Ferrara, he gave five or six coins to a beggar who asked an alms.
To a second beggar he was equally generous. As soon as the beggars saw him so prodigal of his alms, theyflocked around him, until he had spent all the money that he had; so when others approached to ask forassistance, he excused himself on the plea that he had nothing left.
While proceeding from Ferrara to Genoa, he met some Spanish soldiers, who treated him kindly, and who
were not a little surprised at his choosing such a route, since by so doing he was compelled to pass through thevery midst of the armies of France and Spain. They entreated him therefore to take a safer road, which theywould point out to him, and to withdraw from the highway.
Not following their counsel, however, he kept straight on until he came to a town fortified by strong walls.
Seized as a spy, the guards cast him into a small house not far from the gate, and, as is customary in suchsuspicious times, closely questioned him. On all points, however, he professed the greatest ignorance. Finallythey searched his clothes and shoes to see if he bore any messages, and finding nothing, they led him into thepresence of the captain. They deprived him of his cloak, leaving him only his waistcoat and knee−breeches.
As he was compelled to go about in this condition, he recalled to mind the thought of Christ led about as acaptive. Although he was forced to walk through the three principal streets of the town, he did so, not withsadness, but feeling great joy and consolation.
In addressing others he was in the habit of saying “you,” employing no other word either of reverence or
dignity, believing that such was the simplicity as well of the Apostles as of Christ Himself.
While being conducted through the different streets, it occurred to him that it would be well to departsomewhat from his ordinary custom, and to show greater respect to the commander of the place. Such athought was by no means the outcome of the fear of any punishment which they might inflict. He felt,
however, that this was a temptation; he said, “In that case I'll neither address him as a person of dignity, nor
18

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
bend the knee as a mark of respect, nor even remove my hat in his presence.”
Having reached the residence of the commander, he was made to wait some time in the courtyard before
being summoned into his presence. Then, without manifesting the slightest degree of civility, he so paused
after each word he spoke as to be taken for a fool by the commander, who said to his captors, “This man is an
idiot; restore what belongs to him and send him away.”
A certain Spaniard met Ignatius coming from the house of the commander, led him home, just as he was,and gave him food and whatever was necessary for that night.
The next morning he resumed his journey until toward evening, when, espied by the soldiers of a fort, he
was seized and brought to the commander of the French forces. The latter, among other things, asked where
he came from. When Ignatius answered, “Guipuscoa,” the officer said, “I also come from near that place;”and immediately he ordered Ignatius to be conducted within to supper and to be treated with great kindness.
At Genoa, he was recognized by a Cantabrian, who had spoken with him elsewhere, when in the army of
his Catholic Majesty. Through his influence, he was taken on a ship bound for Barcelona. He came very near
being taken captive by Andrea Dorea, who was at that time in the service of the French, and gave chase to thevessel.
At Barcelona, he was enabled to study through the assistance of a noble and very pious lady, Isabel Roser,
and a teacher, named Ardebal. Both highly approved his plan, Ardebal promising to give him instruction free,
while Isabel generously offered to provide him with everything necessary.
At Manresa, there was a very holy monk, of the Order of St. Bernard, with whom Ignatius wished toremain, as well for his own personal guidance as to prepare himself to direct others. He accordingly accepted
the offer of his two generous friends on condition that what he sought could not be obtained at Manresa.
Finding, however, that the monk had died, he returned to Barcelona and applied himself to study. In this,however, he was destined to meet with some difficulties. In his studies, the principles of grammar caused new
spiritual thoughts and tastes to arise so abundantly, as to render him incapable of committing anything tomemory, and though he strove hard, he could not dispel these thoughts.
Noticing, however, that while praying at Mass he did not experience similar thoughts, he considered this atemptation. Accordingly, after praying for some time, he asked his teacher to come to the Church of Blessed
Mary of the Sea, not far from the professor's house, and there to listen to what he would tell him. Ignatius
faithfully made known the whole state of his mind, and why he had as yet learned so little. “But,” he said, “I
promise not to be wanting in attention in school during these two years, provided that at Barcelona I may beable to find bread and water.”
Such an acknowledgment was of the greatest efficacy, and he never after experienced that temptation. The
pains of the stomach, which afflicted him at Manresa, ceased, and, in fact, they did not trouble him from thetime he set out for Jerusalem.
While studying at Barcelona, he wished to practise his former penances. Accordingly, making a hole inthe soles of his shoes, he tore them, little by little, until nothing but the upper portion was left.
His two years of study being completed, in which, they say, he greatly advanced, he was advised by his
master to go to Alcala to study philosophy, as he was deemed ready for it.
Before setting out, however, he wished to be examined by a certain theologian. As he also gave him thesame advice, Ignatius, unaccompanied, started for Alcala. Here he began to beg and live upon alms. After ten
or twelve days, this kind of life drew upon him the contempt of a priest and of some others. They began toinsult him as one who preferred to live on alms, although quite able to support himself.
The superior of a new hospital, seeing him thus rudely treated, took him home, placed him in a room, andliberally provided for his needs.
The time of his arrival at Barcelona was about Lent of the year 1524; and as he remained there upwards of
two years, we do not find him at Alcala until the year 1526. At the latter place he spent his time in studying
the works of Scotus, Albertus, Alcuin, and the Master of the Sentences. He was diligent also in giving theSpiritual Exercises and explaining the Christian doctrine, by which he gave great glory to God, as very many
were thereby led to a knowledge and taste of spiritual things. Many, however, fell victims to various
temptations, an example of which is to be seen in one who was unable to scourge himself, because, as hefancied, his hand was held by some invisible agent. Because of such affairs, and especially by reason of the
19The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
great crowd of men coming to him when he explained the Christian doctrine, various rumors began to spreadamong the people.
When he first came to Alcala a friendship sprang up between him and one Didacus Guya, who lived withhis brother, a painter. Through that friendship, Ignatius was abundantly supplied with all that was necessary;hence he would bestow upon the poor the alms that he himself obtained, and besides three other pilgrims
stayed with him.
One day Ignatius went to Didacus to ask for alms in order to assist some poor people. He replied that hehad no money. Opening, however, a chest which belonged to him, he took from it trappings of various colors,
candlesticks, and other objects, which he gave to Ignatius, who distributed them to the poor.
Many rumors, as was stated above, became widespread in Alcala, and reached the ears even of theInquisitors who were at Toledo, and who, as their host testified, styled Ignatius and his associates, Legati or
Illuminati, and threatened him with capital punishment.
The Inquisitors who had come to Alcala to investigate their actions left the entire affair in the hands of theVicar Figueroa, who was then negotiating with the Emperor, and returned to Toledo without having even once
summoned them. Figueroa granted them the right to continue the work in which they were engaged, and theInquisitors, after mature deliberation, discovered error neither in their doctrines nor in their manner of life.
They did not, however, favor their custom of dressing alike, as they were not Religious. Ignatius repliedthat the wish of the Vicar would be obeyed, but he added: “I do not see the fruit of these examinations, since
but a few days ago a certain priest refused holy communion to one, on the plea that he had communicated but
eight days before; and to me, indeed, he gave it very reluctantly. We would like to know whether or not wehave been guilty of any heresy?” “None,” replied Figueroa, “else you would have been led to the stake.” “Andthey would likewise have led you to the stake,” responded Ignatius, “had you been convicted of heresy.”
The dress was changed according to the wish of Figueroa, who also desired that the pilgrim should not goaround barefooted for at least fifteen or twenty days. This command was also obeyed.
Four months after, Figueroa, a second time, brought the Inquisition to bear upon them, influenced, as I
think, by the fact that a certain married woman of rank, who chanced to be singularly devoted to the pilgrim,
went in disguise at daybreak to visit Ignatius at the hospital where he was staying. But even on this occasion
Ignatius was not summoned to appear before the Inquisition; nor was any sentence pronounced against him.

20

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER VI
THE PRISONS AT ALCALA AND SALAMANCA
After the space of four months, Ignatius, who did not remain at the hospital, was taken from his lodging
by a public officer, who cast him into prison, with the command not to depart until otherwise ordered.
This took place during the summer months, and as the discipline of the prison was not very strict, an
opportunity of visiting him was afforded many persons, to whom he explained the principles of Christian faithand the Exercises, as was his wont when enjoying perfect freedom.
Many persons of rank were anxious to help him, but he did not wish to avail himself of their offers. One
person especially, Lady Teresa de Cardena, sent frequently, offering to deliver him from prison. He replied inthese words, “He, for whose love I am imprisoned, will free me when it may be His good pleasure.”He passed seventeen days in prison,—yet was totally ignorant of the cause,—when Figueroa came toquestion him. Among other things, he asked whether he commanded the observance of the Sabbath.
Among those who had frequently come to see Ignatius were two persons, a mother and daughter, the latterof whom was young and beautiful. These, especially the daughter, had made great progress in the spiritual
life, and although ladies of rank, had determined to make a pilgrimage alone and on foot, and beg their way tothe shrine of Veronica, in the city of Jaen.
This occasioned so great a sensation throughout the city of Alcala that Dr. Giruellus, who was theguardian of the two women, thinking that Ignatius was the cause of their action, ordered him to be cast into
prison.
As the Vicar was willing to be fully informed, Ignatius said: “These women made known to me their
desire of going about from place to place to assist the poor they found in the different hospitals. I, however,disapproved of their design, on account of the daughter, who was quite young and beautiful, representing tothem at the same time that if they felt strongly urged to assist the poor, Alcala presented a broad enough field
for their labors, and they could satisfy their devotion by accompanying the Blessed Sacrament as it was being
carried to the sick.” When Ignatius had finished his account, Figueroa and the notary departed, after writing
down what had taken place.
Calisto, a companion of Ignatius, and who on recovering from a severe illness had heard of theimprisonment of Ignatius, hastened from Segovia, where he was staying, and came to Alcala, that he, too,might be cast into prison.
Ignatius advised him to go to the Vicar, who received him kindly, and promised to send him to prison. It
was necessary, he said, for him to be detained until the return of the women. It could then be seen whether or
not their account agreed with what he and Ignatius had stated.
As the confinement was undermining Calisto's health, Ignatius, through the intervention of a professor
who was a friend of his, obtained his liberation.
When Ignatius had been in prison forty−two days, the women returned. He was once more visited by thenotary, who made known to him the condition on which he was to regain his freedom. It was this: He and his
companions should wear the same style of clothing as the other students, and refrain from preaching the truthsof faith until they had finished four more years of study. Ignatius, indeed, had made more progress in his
studies than the rest, yet he confessed that he had not been solidly grounded. And this he was always wont to
say whenever he was questioned.
When Ignatius heard the judgment passed upon himself and his companions, he was at a loss what to do,for he saw very little chance of advancing the salvation of souls, hindered as he was for no other reason thanthat of not having completed a full course of study.
He finally resolved to trust the entire affair to the good sense and judgment of Fonseca, Archbishop ofToledo, whom, after leaving Alcala, he found at Valladolid.
To the Archbishop, then, he made known everything with the utmost fidelity, and said that, although it
was not a matter pertaining either to his court or judgment, he determined to act as the Archbishop should
advise.
21

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
The Archbishop received him cordially, approving his intention of going to Salamanca, and assuring himthat he would find friends there. Supplying him with everything necessary for his journey, he dismissed him.
When sentence had been pronounced against them at Alcala, Ignatius promised obedience, but at the sametime observed that they were too poor to provide themselves with new clothing. Hearing this, the Vicar
himself supplied what they needed, and they set out for Alcala.
Four of his companions had already taken up their abode at Salamanca. When he reached the city Ignatius
went to church to pray, and was recognized by a pious lady, who, asking his name, conducted him to his
companions. About ten or twelve days after their arrival at Salamanca, a Dominican monk, to whom Ignatius
had made his confession, pressed him to visit the convent, as some of the Religious wished to see him.
Ignatius accepting the invitation “in the name of the Lord,” his confessor thought it well for him to cometo dine the Sunday following, at the same time adding that many questions would be put to him. On Sunday,
therefore, as was appointed, the pilgrim came in company with Calisto.
When dinner was over, the Superior, together with the confessor and others, conducted Ignatius to achapel, and after expressing his pleasure at the good account received of him and his apostolic zeal,
manifested a desire of hearing a more full and exact account of his teaching.
He was first questioned in reference to his studies. Ignatius answered that he had spent more time instudying than his companions, yet he confessed that his knowledge was not very extensive, as he had neverlaid a solid foundation.
“Why, then, do you preach?” broke in the monk. “We do not preach,” replied Ignatius; “we are wont totalk familiarly about divine things with some, in much the same as after dinner we converse with our host.”“About what divine things?” continued the monk; “this is the very point upon which we wish
information.”“About different virtues and vices,” rejoined Ignatius, “endeavoring to inculcate a love of virtue and adetestation of vice.”“How comes it,” said the monk, “that you who are not learned should presume to converse upon virtue
and vice? No one is wont to engage in such a task unless he has acquired knowledge or has been taught by theHoly Ghost. You confess ignorance of letters; it follows then that He has been your director. We wish to learn,
therefore, what He has been pleased to make known to you.”
Ignatius at first made no reply, as he felt such reasoning was without value. Soon, however, breaking thesilence, he remarked that there seemed no reason why he should say more upon the subject. As the monk stillpressed him, giving as a reason the fact that many were once more thrusting forward the erroneous doctrine of
Erasmus and others, Ignatius answered, “I will add no more to what has already been said, unless questionedby those who have a right to expect an account from me.”Previous to the present proceedings the monk wished to know why Calisto was so strangely clothed, for,although of tall stature, he went about almost barelegged, holding a staff in his hand, and wearing a cloak
much too short, and a hat of enormous size. The whole costume formed a rather ludicrous picture.
Ignatius replied that although at Alcala they were ordered to dress as the other students, Calisto had
charitably given his clothes to a poor priest.
The monk showed himself displeased at this, remarking, “Charity begins at home.”
But to return to our former narrative. When the monk saw Ignatius fixed in his resolution, “You shallremain here,” he said, “and we shall easily find a way of compelling you to make everything known.”
Immediately all the monks withdrew, the subprior signifying his wish that Ignatius should remain in thechapel. The matter was then laid before the judges. Both Ignatius and Calisto remained three days in themonastery, taking their meals with the community, before any decision of the judges was made known tothem. During this time the Religious frequently visited their cells, and Ignatius never failed to speak withthem in his accustomed manner. This caused the monks to be divided in their opinion of him, and many,
indeed, showed themselves very kindly disposed.
On the third day a notary came to conduct them to prison. They were not put with the common criminals,
but their place of confinement was nevertheless very repulsive. In the centre of the cell there was a pillar towhich was attached a chain but a few feet in length, and so riveted to the prisoners that when either moved theother was obliged to follow him. They passed that night without any sleep. On the following day, however,
22

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
the report spread that they were prisoners. The people then hastened to supply them with all they needed.
Ignatius, as may readily be supposed, lost no opportunity of speaking upon spiritual things with those whocame to see them.
They were each separately examined by a friar, to whom Ignatius delivered all his writings. Among thesewere his Spiritual Exercises, that it might be seen whether or not they contained any false doctrine. When
asked about his other companions, he told who and where they were. They were arrested also, and confined inseparate apartments from that in which Ignatius was placed.
Although help was offered on this occasion, he declined to accept it.
After a few days he was called into the presence of the judges and professors, who made him answer manyquestions, not only on his Spiritual Exercises, but even on articles of faith, as, for example, the Trinity and theBlessed Sacrament, requiring him to explain these mysteries.
So clear and exact was his explanation that his examiners could not find the least flaw in his doctrine. He
was equally correct in the answer to the friar who proposed a difficulty in Canon Law.
In every case he said that he did not know the decision of the professors.
When ordered to speak on the first commandment, he gave so full and exhaustive an explanation as toleave to his hearers no further chance of questioning him.
Although he had not completed his studies, he frequently showed the difference between a mortal and avenial sin of thought. While speaking about his Exercises, he was closely questioned. To their questions,however, he replied, “What I say is either false or true; if false, condemn it.” The doctrine remained
uncondemned.
Francis de Mendoza, afterward Cardinal of Valencia, was one of those who came to the prison to visit
Ignatius. One day, while accompanied with the friar, he asked him whether the prison and chains were notinsupportable. “I shall give,” said Ignatius, “the reply made to−day to a woman who bewailed my lot. For thelove of Jesus Christ, I gladly would wear all the handcuffs and chains that could be found in Salamanca. And
if you consider this an evil, you show that as yet you are not desirous of suffering imprisonment for the loveof Our Lord.”
About this time it happened that all the inmates of the prison managed to escape, leaving only Ignatius andhis companions. When this became known it caused a reaction in their favor, and they were placed for thetime in a large building adjoining the prison.
On the twenty−second day of their imprisonment they were summoned to hear their sentence.
Although they were declared to be free from reproach both in their lives and their doctrines, and wereallowed to continue their work of teaching the Christian doctrine and of speaking on spiritual subjects, yetthey were forbidden to draw any distinction between mortal and venial sin, until they should have spent four
more years in study.
Although Ignatius was unwilling to accept the sentence, because, though condemned in no respect, he wasnevertheless prevented from assisting his neighbor, he declared that he would submit as long as he remainedin Salamanca.
Recommending the affair to God, Ignatius began to deliberate on his future plan of action. He considered
it a waste of time to remain at Salamanca, as the restriction laid upon him prevented him from assisting thosefor whose salvation he wished to labor.
He resolved, accordingly, to set out for Paris for the purpose of there continuing his studies.
While studying at Barcelona, Ignatius was in doubt whether, after completing his studies, he should enter
some Religious Order, or go from place to place, according to his custom.
He decided to enter upon the religious life. His next step was to find some Order where the primitive
fervor had not relaxed, as he felt that there he would be more sure of satisfying his desire of suffering andassisting others spiritually by bearing, for the love of God, any injury or insult to which he might be subjected.
Even while at Salamanca these desires were ever present to him. To this end he directed all his studies,endeavoring at the same time to persuade others to adopt a like course, and to strengthen in their goodresolutions those who had already embraced it.
When he had resolved to go to Paris, he communicated his design to his companions, telling them toremain where they were, until he could find a means of helping them in their studies.
23

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
Many persons of rank endeavored to dissuade him from departing, but all to no purpose.
Placing the few books he possessed upon a little ass, he took leave of his companions about fifteen or
twenty days after they came out of prison.
Those who met him at Barcelona sought to deter him from going to France, as at that time the war
between the two countries was raging with great fierceness. Notwithstanding the many acts of cruelty inflictedby the French upon the Spaniards, many of whom had been impaled, he persevered in his intention.

24

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER VII
HIS STUDIES IN PARIS, AND OTHER INCIDENTS OF HIS LIFE
He left for Paris on foot and alone, and, according to his own reckoning, arrived there toward the
beginning of February, 1528. While in prison, the Prince of Spain was born, and from this event we candetermine the date of what preceded and followed. At Paris he lived with some Spaniards, and attended thelectures given at the College of Montaigu. As he had been advanced too rapidly to the higher studies, hereturned to those of a lower grade, because he felt that in great part he lacked the proper groundwork. He
therefore studied in a class with children. When he first came to Paris, he received from a merchanttwenty−five gold crowns on an order sent from Barcelona. These he put for safekeeping in the hands of one of
the Spaniards with whom he lived. This latter very soon appropriated them for his own use, and when called
upon, could not restore them. The result was that when Lent was over Ignatius found himself unprovided for,partly on account of the loss mentioned, and partly on account of other expenses. In consequence, he wasforced to seek his livelihood by begging, and to leave the house where he lived.
Afterward he was received into the Hospital of St. James, near the Church of the Holy Innocents. This
residence proved no slight hindrance to his studies. The hospital was at a great distance from the college, andwhile he could not gain admission at night unless he returned before the sound of the Angelus, in the morning
he was not allowed to depart before daylight. He could not, in consequence, be present at, nor give his time to,the lectures with profit. He found another hindrance, also, in loss of the time needed in getting alms
wherewith to purchase food.
As he had not experienced interior spiritual suffering for almost five years, he mortified himself by austerefasts and penances. After he had spent some time in this way, living in the hospital and begging his food, henoticed that his progress in letters was not rapid. He then considered what course to follow. He had observedthat many who lived as servants of the lecturers in the colleges had abundant time for study. He resolved toseek some one whom he might serve in the same way. He weighed the matter well, and not without
consolation thought of it as follows: “I shall imagine that my master is Christ, and I shall call one of thestudents Peter, another John, and to the rest I shall give the names of the remaining Apostles. Then, when mymaster gives me a command, I shall think, that Christ commands me. When any one else gives orders, I shallthink that the order comes from St. Peter or some other Apostle.” He was very diligent in seeking a master,and spoke of the matter to a bachelor and to a Carthusian monk, who knew many masters, and to others, but
he was never able to find one.
Deprived of every resource, he was told by a Spanish monk that it would be a wise step for him to go
every year to Flanders, and there in two months he could procure enough for the whole year. He approved ofthe plan, after recommending the matter to God. On adopting this plan, he brought back yearly from Flanders
whatever he needed for his maintenance. Once even he passed over into England, and from there brought
greater alms than he had gathered in the previous years.
When he first returned from Flanders he began to devote himself earnestly to spiritual work. About thesame time he gave the Exercises to three persons,—to Peralta, to Castro, a friend who dwelt at Sorbonne, andto a Cantabrian who lived in the College of St. Barbara, by name Amator. A great change was made in the
lives of these men. At once they gave to the poor whatever they had, even their books, while they themselvesbegan to live on the alms they begged, and to dwell in the Hospital of St. James, where Ignatius had
previously dwelt, and which he left as stated above. This incident aroused a great outcry in the University ofParis, because the two first were very famous men. The other Spaniards at once undertook to oppose them, but
unable to persuade them by any argument to return to the university, a great crowd went armed to the hospitaland led, or rather dragged, them away.
On coming to the university they agreed with their captors to complete their course of studies, andafterward to follow out their determination. Castro went afterward to Spain, and after preaching for a while at
Burgos, joined the Order of the Carthusians at Valencia. Peralta undertook a journey to Jerusalem on foot andafter the fashion of a pilgrim. In this garb he was seized in Italy by a military leader, his relative, who found a25

The Autobiography of St. Ignatiuspretext for bringing him before the Sovereign Pontiff, from whom he obtained a command for Peralta toreturn to Spain. All these events did not occur then, but years afterward. Exaggerated reports arose against
Ignatius at Paris, especially among the Spaniards. De Govea was wont to say that Amator, who remained in
his college, had been brought by Ignatius to the verge of insanity. He therefore made up his mind that as soon
as Ignatius came to the College of St. Barbara, he would give him a public whipping as a seducer of thepupils.
Now the Spaniard who had spent the money of Ignatius and had not paid him, had set out to journey toSpain and fallen sick. As soon as Ignatius learned of this, he was seized with a longing to visit and help him,
hoping by this to lead him to abandon the world and give himself wholly to God. And indeed to accomplish
this he wished to make the journey barefooted, without food or drink. While praying for this purpose, he felt
himself seized with great fear until, entering the Church of St. Dominic, he resolved to make the journey inthis manner. The fear that it might be tempting God then left him; on the morning of the following day, uponarising, so great a fear seized him that it seemed to him that he could not even put on his clothes. In thisinterior strife he left the house and went out of the city, and the fear did not leave him till he was nine miles
from Paris. At this distance there is a village which the inhabitants call Argenteuil, where the Holy Coat of
Our Lord is said to be preserved. As he left this place in great trouble of spirit, a feeling of great consolationand strength filled his soul with such joy that he began to shout aloud and to talk with God as he walked
through the fields. That night, having completed forty−five miles, he went to rest with a beggar in a hospital.
On the next day toward nightfall he lodged in a straw−thatched cabin. On the third day he arrived on foot.
According to his resolve, he took neither food nor drink. Upon his arrival he consoled the sick man, helped
him on board a vessel which was about to sail for Spain, and gave him letters to his companions, Calisto,
Caceres, and Artiaga, who were in Salamanca. Here we may dwell for a moment on the fate of thesecompanions. While Ignatius was at Paris he often sent them letters, telling them of the little hope left ofcalling them to Paris for their studies. Still he urged by letter Donna Leonora de Mascarenas to use her
influence with the King of Portugal for Calisto, that he might receive one of the burses which the King hadestablished. A certain yearly aid is called a burse. Donna Leonora gave Calisto a mule and money to take him
to the court of the King of Portugal. He set out, but never reached that place. He came back afterward to Spain
and went to India. He returned rich, to the great surprise of all at Salamanca, who had known him in formerdays. Caceres, after returning to Segovia, his native city, began to grow unmindful of his former purpose andlife. Artiaga was first made a magistrate. Afterward, when the Society was established at Rome, a bishopricwas given to him. He wrote to Ignatius, “I wish this bishopric to be given to one of the Society.” But as soon
as the answer came that this was not to be done, he went to India, was made bishop, and died there a strange
death. While sick it chanced that two phials of liquid were placed in water to cool, one containing a medicine
ordered for him by the doctor, the other a diluted poison called Sollimanus. His attendant gave him by mistakethe poisoned draught, which he drank, and thus ended his life.
Returning to Paris Ignatius heard many rumors connecting his name with that of Caceres and Peralta, andlearned that he had been summoned before the judge. As he did not wish to remain in doubt, he went of his
own accord to the Inquisitor, a Dominican friar. “I heard that I had been sought for, and I now present
myself.” During the conversation he asked the Inquisitor to terminate the matter speedily. He had determined
to begin his course in arts on the approaching feast of St. Remigius, and therefore wished all other businesscompleted in order to apply himself to his studies with greater profit. The Inquisitor on his part told him that it
was true that certain charges had been made against him, but he allowed him to depart, and did not summon
him again.
Toward the first of October, the feast of St. Remigius, he began his course under the preceptor MasterJohn Pegna, with the intention of fostering the vocations of those who wished to serve God. He intended to
add others in order the more freely to give his mind to his studies. He followed the lectures in philosophy, andexperienced the same temptations with which he had been assailed when studying grammar at Barcelona.
During the lectures he was troubled by so many spiritual thoughts that he could not listen attentively.
Accordingly, as he saw he was making but little progress in his studies, he spoke to his preceptor andpromised to attend the lectures, as long as he could find bread and water enough to keep him alive. Aftermaking this promise, all these untimely devotions ceased to disturb him, and he quietly pursued his studies.
26

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
He was at this period a friend of Peter Faber and Francis Xavier, whom he afterward led to the service of God
by giving them the Exercises. During the last years he was not persecuted as at first. Speaking of this to him
one day, Doctor Fragus remarked that he was surprised that no one molested him. Ignatius replied: “This isowing to the fact that I do not speak on religious topics. But when the course is completed, we shall act asformerly.”
During the course of this conversation a monk approached Doctor Fragus and begged his aid in visiting ahouse, in which there were many corpses of those whom he thought died of the plague. At that time the plague
was beginning to spread in Paris. Doctor Fragus and Ignatius wished to visit the house, and procured the aidof a woman who was very skilful in detecting the disease. After she had entered the house she answered thatthe plague was certainly there. Ignatius, also, entered and consoled and revived a sick man he found lying
there. When he had touched the wounds with his hand, Ignatius departed alone. His hand began to cause him
great pain, and it seemed as if he had caught the disease. The fear that came upon him was so great that he
was unable to vanquish and drive it away, until with a great effort he placed his fingers in his mouth, and for along time kept them there, saying, “If you have the plague in your hand, you will also have it in your mouth.”As soon as this was done, the illusion left him and the pain he had felt in his hand ceased.
He was not allowed to enter the College of St. Barbara where he was then living, for all fled from him
when they learned that he had entered a house infected with the plague. He was obliged to remain several days
outside of the college.
At Paris it is customary for those who follow the philosophical studies to receive in their third year the
Petra, as it is called, in order to obtain the bachelor's degree. Now those who are very poor are unable tocomply with this custom, as it costs a gold crown. While Ignatius was in great hesitation, he submitted thematter to the judgment of his preceptor. The latter advised him to receive it. He did so, but not without acomplaint on the part of some, especially of a certain Spaniard who had taken note of the fact.
While in Paris he suffered great pains of the stomach for several days. On the twenty−fifth day, for the
space of an hour, a very severe pain seized him, bringing with it a fever. One day the pains lasted for sixteen
or seventeen hours. At that time he had already concluded his course, had spent some years in the study oftheology, and had collected his companions.
As the disease grew worse day by day, and the many remedies employed brought no relief, the doctors
said that the only one left for him was to revisit his native land, as nothing but his native air could cure him.
His companions gave him the same advice. By this time all had determined on their future conduct, namely, togo first to Venice, and then to Jerusalem, where they would pass their whole life in helping souls. If, however,they should not be allowed to remain in Jerusalem, they were to return to Rome and offer themselves to theSovereign Pontiff, Christ's Vicar, that he might use their aid as he thought would be for God's glory and thesalvation of souls. They also agreed to wait one year at Venice for ships to carry them to the Holy Land; but if
during the year no ship were at hand, they should be absolved from the vow, and go to the Sovereign Pontiff.
Finally Ignatius yielded to the advice of his companions, in order to attend to their business in Spain. It wasagreed among them, that after the recovery of his health he should settle their affairs and they should go to
Venice, and there await him.
He left Paris in the year 1535, but according to the agreement his companions were to leave two years
afterward on the feast of the conversion of St. Paul. However, owing to the wars, they were obliged to
anticipate that time, and to set out from Paris in the month of November in the year 1536. On the very eve of
his departure, as Ignatius had heard that an accusation had been made against him before the Inquisitor, while
no summons had as yet been served, he went to that official and stated what he had heard. At the same time hetold him that he had several companions, and that he himself was about to travel to Spain, and requested that
sentence should be passed upon him. The Inquisitor admitted that the accusation had been made, but that hedid not think it worthy of consideration. He said that he wished merely to see the writings of Ignatius,meaning the Exercises. Having seen these he approved of them very highly, and begged Ignatius to give him acopy. Ignatius complied with his request, but insisted that his trial be brought to an end, and that judgment be
passed. As his request met with a refusal, he brought a notary and witnesses to the Inquisitor's house, andreceived their testimony in writing concerning his innocence of the charges.

27

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

CHAPTER VIIIHIS ARRIVAL IN HIS NATIVE LAND AND THE VIRTUES PRACTISED THERE—HIS JOURNEY
INTO SPAIN AND ITALY—THE FAMOUS APPARITION AND HIS LIFE IN THE SAME PLACE
After the event related in the last chapter, Ignatius mounted the little horse which his companions had
purchased for him, and began his journey toward his native land. Even on the way he found his healthimproving. As soon as he arrived in the province of Guipuscoa, his native country, abandoning the common
highway he followed a road through the mountains because it was less frequented. He had advanced a shortdistance by this path when he saw two armed men approaching. The place was famous as the haunt ofmurderers. The men passed him a little and then turning, hurried after him. He was not a little frightened, but
still, addressing them, he learned that they were his brother's servants sent to meet him. For he had reason tobelieve that a warning of his coming was sent to his brother from Bayonne in France, where he had beenrecognized by several persons. Still Ignatius kept on in the direction he had taken, and shortly before hearrived in the town he met some priests coming to meet him. They wished to bring him to his brother's home;
but their efforts were unavailing. He went to a public hospital, and afterward, at a suitable time, begged foralms through the town.
Many came to see him in the hospital. He spoke to them, and through God's grace gathered no little fruit.
Upon his arrival, he resolved to teach the Christian doctrine to children every day. His brother objected to this,and assured him that no one would come. In answer Ignatius said, “One is enough for me.” However, as soon
as he began to teach, many came regularly, his brother among the number. In addition to this, on Sundays andfeast days, he also preached to the people with great fruit, and thousands came many miles to hear him. He
labored also for the removal of many abuses, and through God's grace good results were obtained in manycases. To give an example: By his representations to the governor he obtained an order forbidding gamblingand other disorders, under great penalties. He took means that the poor should be provided for publicly andregularly, and that thrice a day, morning, noon, and evening, according to the Roman custom, a signal should
be given by ringing a bell for the recital of the Angelus by the people.
Although at first he enjoyed good health, he afterward fell seriously ill. For this reason, after his recovery,
he determined to depart in order to accomplish the business which he had undertaken for his companions. He
resolved to set out on foot and without money. His brother was grieved at this, and looked on it as a disgrace
to himself. Ignatius concluded to yield this point, and at last, toward evening, he consented to be carried to theboundary of the province in company with his brother and relatives.
But as soon as he had left the province, he dismounted and without receiving any sustenance for thejourney he set out for Pampeluna and thence to Almazonus, the birthplace of Father Laynez. Then he traveledon to Siguensa and to Toledo, and afterward from Toledo to Valencia. In all these cities, the birthplaces of his
companions, he would receive nothing from their parents and relations, although they offered him a great
many things, and begged him to accept them. At Valencia he had a conversation with Castro. When ready toembark at Valencia to sail to Genoa, several of his well−wishers dissuaded him, because, as they asserted, theBarbary pirates were on the sea with many large ships. However, though they said a great deal to inspire fear,
still he did not hesitate. Having gone aboard a vessel, a great storm arose during the voyage. This was
mentioned before, where Ignatius describes the three occasions on which he was in danger of death. On thisjourney he suffered a great deal, as I shall now relate. One day after landing he wandered from his path andfollowed a road which ran along the bank of a river. The road was high, while far below was the river deepand sluggish. The farther he advanced, the narrower grew the road. At last he came to a spot where he could
neither go forward nor backward. He then began to advance on hands and feet and continued thus for a longtime, full of fear. For as often as he moved it seemed to him that he would fall into the river. This was thegreatest of all the bodily labors that he ever experienced. At last he escaped, but just as he was entering
Bologna he fell from a little bridge and was so wet and dirty from the mud and water as to afford muchlaughter to a great crowd who observed the accident. From his entrance into Bologna until his departure hebegged for alms, and though he went through the whole city, he did not receive so much as a farthing. As he
28

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
was ill, he rested for a while at Bologna. Thence he directed his steps toward Venice, traveling always in thesame way. At Venice he spent his time in giving the Exercises and in other spiritual works. Those to whom hegave the Exercises were Peter Contarenus, Gaspar a Doctis, Rozes a Spaniard, and another Spaniard named
Hozes, who, like the pilgrim, was a great friend of the bishop. Hozes at first would not make the Exercises,
although he felt drawn to do so. At last he resolved to undertake the work, and on the third or fourth day heopened his mind to Ignatius. He said that he had feared that by the Exercises his mind might be imbued withfalse doctrines. Indeed, he had been persuaded by a man to be on his guard, and for this reason he had brought
along with him a book to use in case he were imposed on. He made great progress in the Exercises, and finallyembraced that manner of life which Ignatius had established. He was the first of the companions of the Saintto die.
At Venice another persecution was stirred up against Ignatius. Some asserted that he had been burned ineffigy both in Spain and in Paris. The matter went so far that he was brought to trial, but obtained a favorable
sentence. At the beginning of the year 1538 the nine companions came to Venice and were scattered about thecity in various hospitals to minister to the sick. After two or three months all journeyed to Rome to receive thePope's blessing before going to Jerusalem. Ignatius, however, did not go to Rome on account of Doctor Ortiz
and the Theatine Cardinal recently raised to that dignity. The companions on their return brought the value of
two or three hundred gold crowns which had been given to them as alms for their projected journey toJerusalem. They would accept it only in the form of bills, and when they were unable to make the voyage toJerusalem they returned it to those who had made the gift. They returned to Venice in the same manner thatthey had set out for Rome. They traveled on foot and begging, divided into three parties, as they were ofdifferent nationalities. Those who were not priests were ordained at Venice, having received faculties from the
Nuncio, who was then in that city and who was afterward called Cardinal Verallus. They were promoted tothe priesthood sub titulo paupertatis, having made vows of poverty and chastity. That year no ships left for
the East, on account of the breach of the treaty between the Venetians and Turks. When, therefore, they saw
their hopes deferred, they dispersed into various parts of the Venetian territory, with the understanding thatthey should wait one year, as they had previously resolved; when that time had elapsed, they were to return toRome if it was not possible to make the voyage. Vicenza fell to the lot of Ignatius. His companions were
Faber and Laynez. Outside of the city they found a house that had neither door nor windows. Here they lived,
sleeping on a little straw which they had brought with them. Two of the three entered the city twice daily, inthe morning and evening, to ask for alms. They returned with so little that it hardly sufficed for their
nourishment. Their usual food was bread, when they could get it. The one who chanced to remain at home did
the baking. In this way they spent forty days, intent upon nothing but prayer.
After the forty days were over, Master John Codurus arrived, and the four determined to begin preaching.
On the same day and at the same hour, in different squares, all began to preach, having first uttered a greatcry, and having waved their hats with their hands to call the people. These sermons caused great talk in thecity, and led many citizens to a devout life. Now the needed nourishment was supplied to them moreabundantly. While the pilgrim was at Vicenza, he had many spiritual visions. Consolations were sent to him in
great number. This was especially so at Venice, while he was preparing for the priesthood and for celebrating
Mass. On all his journeys, he received great supernatural visitations, like those which he had been wont toreceive at Manresa.
While still at Venice he learned that one of his companions was sick unto death at Bassanum. He washimself ill with fever, still he undertook the journey, and walked so rapidly that Faber, his companion, wasunable to keep up with him. On the way he received an assurance from God that his companion would not dieof this illness. As soon as they arrived at Bassanum, the sick man was very much consoled, and not long after
grew better. After this, all returned to Vicenza, and there the ten tarried for a while, some going about theneighboring towns to beg for alms.
In the year that passed, as no means could be had of journeying to Jerusalem, they set out on their way toRome, divided into three or four parties. On the journey Ignatius experienced singular visitations from God.
After his reception of the priesthood, he had resolved to put off the offering of his first Mass for one year, inorder to prepare himself better, and to ask the Most Blessed Virgin to place him near her Son. One day, when
he was a few miles from Rome, he entered a church to pray, and there felt his soul so moved and changed, and29

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
saw so clearly that God the Father placed him with Christ His Son, that he did not dare to doubt it. When
Ignatius was told that several other details were related by Laynez, he replied: “Whatever Laynez said about
the matter is true. For my part, I do not remember the particulars; but,” he added, “I know for certain thatwhen I related what happened I told nothing but the truth.” These were his words about the vision. He referred
me to Laynez to verify what he narrated.
Once Ignatius left Rome for Monte Cassino, to give the Exercises to Doctor Ortiz, and spent forty days
there. One day, at a certain hour, in a vision, he saw Hozes entering heaven. In this vision he shed abundanttears of consolation. He saw this so clearly that if he were to say the contrary, it would seem to him as if hewere telling a lie. He brought with him from Monte Cassino Francis Strada. After his return to Rome, helabored for the help of souls, and gave the Exercises to two different persons, one of whom dwelt near the
Sixtine Bridge, the other near the Church of St. Mary Major. Soon the people began to persecute Ignatius andhis companions. Michael was the first of all to be troublesome and to speak wickedly of Ignatius, and had him
summoned before the governor for trial. Ignatius showed the governor a letter written by the same Michael, in
which he commended Ignatius very highly. The governor examined Michael, and the result was that he wasexiled from Rome. After him followed Mindarra and Berrera, who said that Ignatius and his companions were
fugitives from Spain, Paris, and Venice. Finally, however, in the presence of the governor and ambassador
then at Rome, both acknowledged that they had nothing which they could say against them with regard totheir doctrines or their lives. The ambassador ordered this lawsuit to be abandoned. Ignatius objected, sayingthat he wished the sentence to be made clear and public. This did not please the ambassador and the governor,
nor even those who had previously taken sides with Ignatius. A few months afterward the Roman Pontiff
returned. While he was at Tusculum Ignatius was admitted to an audience with the Holy Father, and having
given some of his reasons, he obtained what he wished. The Pope ordered sentence to be passed, and it wasgiven in favor of Ignatius and his companions.
Through the labors of Ignatius and his companions, certain pious works were established at Rome, as thatof Catechumens, that of St. Martha, and that of the Orphans. Master Natalis can tell the rest.

30

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius

APPENDIX
ST. IGNATIUS AND HIS WORK FOR EDUCATIONIn the kingdom of Navarre, in the north of Spain, among those mountains whence the armorers of Toledo
drew their metal and forged for the world their trenchant steel, in a region where the generous, passionate,valiant people seemed to have formed their character on the austere grandeur of nature itself, St. Ignatius wasborn.
The world represents him as a man of few and stern words, in appearance severe and dark, and yet a manin whom intellect is ever prominent, but intellect elevated by the grandeur of a soul of chivalry and by an
exquisite delicacy of charity—this was the real character of St. Ignatius. This will be seen in the brief glimpse
given of his life and his spirit of charity, his absorbing love for souls, in his work of founding missions, his
greatness of mind and heart, in the work originated by him, and carried on by his followers, in the cause ofhigher education.
His character stands prominently on the horizon of history. He cannot be ignored, nor is his existence or
his work ignored.
His enemies have not passed him by without notice, and his friends, the friends of God, have rejoiced that,
as God sent him forth to teach and produce fruit that the fruit might remain, the fruit has remained.
St. Ignatius sends his voice down the centuries as a great individuality. He has spoken as a man of God, asa man of ideas, a man of energy. He has made his influence felt throughout the universe, not only in thecivilized world, but in the uncivilized portion, to bring it into civilization, or to bear to it the advantages ofcivilization.
Other great men have spoken and have sent forth their influence. Theirs has been a message to thecivilized world; it has been limited to one point of view. It has been prowess on the battlefield or on the seas,
work in the ship of state or in the fields of science. But Ignatius has not been limited to any one of these. He is
the founder of a Religious Order that has sent pioneers into all these fields and forests of valor or research; heis the writer of the Spiritual Exercises that have won a fame gained by but few authors; he is the father ofmany saints; he is the educator of generations; he is the inspirer of scientific, literary, theological,
philosophical investigation, and the promoter of discoverers and of pioneer missionaries in the Old and the
New World.
Ignatius was born, in 1491, at the château of Loyola, and at fifteen years of age he was a page in the courtof King Ferdinand, and then a soldier under the Duke of Navarre, his relative. The army of Francis I
penetrated into Navarre, and, at the siege of Pampeluna, Ignatius, Captain of Infantry, was wounded by acannon ball. His life is given in the preceding pages.
I shall refer only briefly to it, and to his conversion. He was a young knight fond of gayety and feats ofarms, and for some time after he received the wound he was confined to his bed while his broken leg was set;
and while awaiting his slow recovery he read the lives of the saints and of Christ, as these were the books
given to him in place of the novels he had asked for, as no others were in the house.
In reading the lives of the saints his heart was touched. His eyes were opened to the vanity of life and thereality of eternity compared with the worldliness of the life he had been leading. Inspired with enthusiasm at
the lives of the saints, he said, “What they have done, I can do.” The event of his life proved the earnestness of
his purpose.
He resolved to undertake a life of penance and self−denial, and, while occupied with these holy
resolutions, he wrote in a book the principal events of the life of Christ and His glorious Mother. It was at thistime that Our Lord sent him a vision to strengthen and console him. He beheld one night, as he was holding
his vigils, the glorious Queen of the angels, who appeared to him holding in her arms her Blessed Son,enlightening him with the splendor of glory and charming him by her sweet presence.
To her he ascribes the inspiration of the Spiritual Exercises, and his Order, imitating its founder, has
shown the most unbounded affection and devoted filial love toward the Virgin Mother of Christ.
*****
31

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
At Alcala St. Ignatius studied, and there won for the Society of Jesus, Laynez, Salmeron, and Babadilla.
He afterward founded there a college where Vasquez, Suarez, and St. Francis Borgia expounded the Holy
Scriptures. St. Ignatius sent Father de Torres to Salamanca to found the famous college where the illustrious
professors, Cardinal de Lugo, Francis Suarez, Maldonatus, Gregory of Valencia, Francis Ribera, and manyother illustrious men were professors.
*****
At the University of Paris, in 1534, on the 14th of March, St. Ignatius received the degree of Master ofArts and Doctor of Philosophy, having received the degree of Bachelor of Arts two years before. The
University of Paris had the honor of having as pupils St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, Peter Faber, Claude leJay, Simon Rodriguez, John Codura, Paschasius, Brouet, Martin Olave, all honored with the academic degree.
*****
Among the earlier colleges founded by St. Ignatius were the following:—
In 1542 the College of Coimbra, in Portugal, arose. In 1546 St. Francis Borgia founded the College of
Gandia. In 1556 the College of Ingolstadt was founded. In 1552 a college was founded at Vienna, and in 1556
one at Prague. In 1553 the Roman College was fully founded. And in 1568 the colleges at Lima, Peru.
*****
The German College founded in Rome by St. Ignatius produced many remarkable men.
From it came 1 pope, Gregory XV, 24 cardinals, 6 electors of the Empire, 19 princes, 21 archbishops, 121
titular bishops, 100 bishops in partibus infidelium, 6 abbots or generals of religious orders, 11 martyrs of faith,
13 martyrs of charity, and 55 others, conspicuous for piety and learning.
This was at the end of the eighteenth century. In our own time in one classroom Father Cardella counted
seventeen different orders of all different nationalities present at the lectures of theology in the Roman
College.
*****
The Roman College was the type of the Jesuit College. It was begun by Francis Borgia, in 1551, at thefoot of the Capitol in Rome, with fourteen members of the Order and Father John Peltier, a Frenchman, as
Superior.
The professors taught rhetoric and three languages,—Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. There were present there
at a given time 2107 students, 300 in theology. The most eminent professors filled the chairs: theologians like
Suarez and Vasquez; commentators such as Cornelius à Lapide and Maldonatus; founders of national history
schools, as Mariana and Pallavicini; Clavius, reformer of the Gregorian Calendar; Kircher, universal in theexact sciences, while the other colleges throughout the world remained provided with their own required
forces and maintained their own prestige.
*****
From this college came forth distinguished men in every line of intellectual life, and general eminence,men of elevated thought and of noble and generous minds. In particular three characters came—young menthat were to fill with admiration of their greatness the succeeding century.
Stanislaus Kostka, a Polish noble who died at seventeen years of age; Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian princeof twenty−three; and John Berchmans, a Flemish townsman of twenty−two.
Among some of the famous men educated by the Jesuits we find Bossuet, Corneille, Molière, Tasso,
Fontenelle, Diderot, Voltaire, and Bourdaloue, himself a Jesuit.
*****
When Père Porée replied to the remark that he was not one of the great poets, he said, “At least you may
grant that I have been able to make some of them.” A few others were Descartes, Buffon, Justus Lipsius,
Muratori the historian, Calderon, and Vico, the author of “Ideas of History,” Richelieu, Tilly, Malesherbes,
Don John of Austria, Luxembourg, Esterhazy, Choiseul, St. Francis de Sales, Lambertini, afterward Benedict
XIV, the most learned of the popes, and the present Pontiff, Pope Leo XIII, renowned for his learning andwisdom.
Nearly all the Jesuit writers had been Jesuit professors, with almost no exception, and nearly all had taught
humanities, belles−lettres, and rhetoric. Father Southwell in 1676 numbers 2240 authors, and Father deBacker in 1876 counts 11,100.
32

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
AUTHORSWe find some remarkable authors among the Jesuit writers. Foremost come the Bollandists, renowned
throughout the world for their monumental work, the “Acta Sanctorum.” Similar gigantic works were carriedon by Fathers de Backer, Sommervogel, and Pachtler. In the various branches of learning we need mention a
few of the greater writers.
In astronomy, we find Ricci, Perry, De Vico, Secchi, Curley, Sestini.
In mathematics, Hagen, Algué.
In naval tactics, “The Jesuit's Book.”
In archæology, Garucci, Marchi, the master of De Rossi.
In Oriental languages, Strassmaier, Harvas, Maas, Van den Gheyn.
In theology, Suarez, Vasquez, Toletus, Maldonatus, Franzelin.
In philosophy, Cominbricenses, Liberatore.
In moral philosophy, Busenbaum, Gury, Toledo, Ballerini, Layman, Lehmkuhl, Genicot.
In asceticism, Alvarez de Paz, Gaudier, Rodriguez, Scaramelli, Grou.
The Spiritual Exercises comprise a whole library. Father Watragan has written a work merely to record theeditions and commentaries on these Exercises.
THE EDUCATIONAL PLAN OF ST. IGNATIUS
St. Ignatius had gathered about him a body of picked men. The Roman College, the type of colleges of
Jesuit education, would have for its professors only those who had been doctors of the University of Paris.
The outline of the course of education was given by St. Ignatius. It was completed and developed by
Aquaviva. The work was still more perfected by Father Laynez, of whom it is said,—“St. Ignatius praised him not only on account of other great merits, but particularly for devising andarranging the system of colleges.”
As to the number of students found under a unified method of thorough teaching, it will be interesting totake them in review.
In Rome in 1584, the twenty colleges attending classes in the Roman College numbered 2108 students, in
Poland there were 10,000 young men chiefly of the nobility, at Rome 2000, at La Flèche 1700. In theseventeenth century at the College of Louis le Grand, in Paris, the number varied between 2000 and 3000. In
1627 the Province of Paris had in fourteen colleges 13,195 students.
The papal seminaries under Gregory XIII, at Vienna, Dillengen, Fulda, Prague, Grätz, Olmütz, Wilna, as
well as in Japan, were directed by the Fathers, as also that of Pius V and of St. Charles Borromeo at Milan.
Taking an average, there were more than two hundred thousand students being educated in theseeducational institutions.
A comparison could be made on this basis of the work done by the Order and that which is accomplishedby Oxford.
If Oxford spends annually a revenue of $2,500,000 to supply facilities for higher education to two
thousand of the nobility and gentry, how much would be required to educate a quarter of a million
students,—not two thousand, but two hundred and fifty thousand?
The fundamental principles in the educational institute of St. Ignatius were these:—
First, solidity and thoroughness.
The first condition of all higher studies as well as of lower studies was such that, as St. Ignatius said, “It
was useless to begin at the top, as the edifice without a good foundation would never stand.”Let literature and philosophy be gone through with satisfactorily, and then theology may be approached.
Literature must come first of all. St. Ignatius provides for law and medicine, but by professors of law andmedicine outside of the Order; but no professors of the Order were sent for work outside of Jesuit institutions.
If the younger men were sent abroad, the younger generation would be deprived of that type; and if eminent
men were sent forth without a permanent Jesuit College, the work would not be that of the Order, but of
scattered individuals, and would soon perish.
In the cause of education St. Ignatius had placed in his charter the watchwords “Defence and Advance.”
As a leader of a military type he had gathered about him the flower of youth and of mature age, from college
and university, from doctor's chair and prince's throne, and in fifteen years from the foundation of the Order
33

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
left one hundred colleges and houses in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Sicily, Germany, France, Brazil, and the East
Indies. Xavier traveled from India and Ceylon, in the west, to Malucca, Japan, and the coast of China on theeast. Wherever the energy and activity of Apostolic zeal penetrated it was with the purpose, and usually the
result, of permanent Apostolic work in the foundation of educational institutions. Father de Backer says,—“Wherever a Jesuit set his foot, wherever there was founded a house, a college, a mission, there too cameapostles of another class, who labored, who taught, who wrote.”
This is true even to our day where in the Rocky Mountains, beside the mission house of Spokane Falls,
rises the Jesuit College of Spokane.
Sixty years later than the time of St. Ignatius there were 272 colleges, and in 150 years the collegiate anduniversity houses of education numbered 769.
“Looking at these seven hundred institutions of secondary and superior education,” says Father Thomas
Hughes in his work on Loyola, “in their scope of legislative executive power we find they were not so much aplurality of institutions as a single one.
“If we look at the 92 colleges in France, although the University of Paris was in one quarter of the city,and in that sense materially one,—although including 50 colleges,—yet in the formal and essential bond these
92 Jesuit colleges were vastly more of a unit as an identical educational power than any faculty existing. No
faculty at Paris, Rome, Salamanca, or Oxford ever preserved the control over its 50, 20, or 8 colleges that each
Provincial exercised over his 10, 20, or 30 colleges, or the general of the Order over the 700 colleges, with
22,126 members in the Order.”At the present day we find the Jesuit colleges in almost every part of the known world. In Rome and in
China, in South Africa and North America, in the Philippine Islands as well as in Ceylon and Egypt, inAustralia and Cuba, as well as in Syria and the city of New York.
We may glance briefly at the colleges scattered over the world, containing to−day 52,692 Jesuit pupils.
This is a larger number than those taught at Oxford and Cambridge and Glasgow and Harvard or Yale orPrinceton or in Paris and Edinburgh.
In the Jesuit College at Rome there are 2082 students.
In Brazil, 757
Naples, 960
Denver, 100
Sicily, 376
Turin, 516
California, 850
Rocky Mountains, 72
Venice, 520
Mangalore (India), 483
Austria, 1746
Egypt, 500
Toulouse, 1581
Madura, 1800
Aragon, 1414
ManilaPhilippine Islands,
Municipal Atheneum, 1123
Normal School, 680
Chili and Paraguay, 4913
Castile, 2073
Cuba, Havana, and Cienfuegos, 397
Colombia, 766
Portugal, 560
Belgium, 6658
Bengal, 983
34

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
Ceylon, 35
Galicia, 474
Germany, 3443
Holland, 613
France, 3384
China, 122
Lyons, 2191
Syria, 608
Mexico, 684
Toledo, 782
Ecuador and Peru, 820
England, 1454
Zambesi, 64
Ireland, 883
Australia, 447
New York and Maryland, 2815
Jamaica, West Indies, 60
Missouri, 2061
B. Honduras, 2122
Canada, 511
New Orleans, 504
Thus the total number of students—studying with professors of the Society of Jesus under one university
system in all parts of the known world—is 52,692.
There has been no going back. Fifty years ago, when the groundwork of rebuilding the 700 institutions
that had been destroyed by the suppression had to be commenced all over again, there were but 15,000,
to−day there are 52,692.
St. Ignatius was born in 1491. The first College of Coimbra was founded in 1542. From 1542 to 1773 is aperiod of 231 years. The suppression lasted from 1773 to 1814 (41 years). The new work continued from 1814
to 1899, a period of 85 years.
Among the colleges founded in the chief cities of the world are Loyola College, at Loyola in Spain; St.
Omer's College, in Belgium, the link between Europe and America; Stonyhurst College, in England; Clongoes
Wood, Ireland; Mangalore, in India, the only first−grade college in the district; Melbourne, Australia; St.
Ignatius College, California, the pioneer of Pacific coast missions and of the Rocky Mountains; at Kansas
City the only boarding college in the far West; St. Ignatius, at Cleveland, Ohio, one of the latest Westerncolleges; Spring Hill College, at Mobile, Alabama; Georgetown College, at Washington, D.C.; Holy Cross
College, at Worcester, Massachusetts; St. John's College, at Fordham, New York; St. Francis Xavier's
College, in New York City.
In the proportion mentioned above, in the same period (that is, a period of 231 years), there will be in theJesuit colleges 263,690 pupils.
St. Ignatius died July 31, 1556. He was sixty−five years of age. At the age of thirty he hung up his sword
at Montserrat, and, with ready mind and heart and pen, in thirty−five years he achieved the gigantic work of
the founding and developing the Order. The educational work was projected and advanced in a brief period offifteen years, from 1542 to 1556.
He was a man of prudence and deliberation, and of unswerving decision.
Vigilant and patient, whenever he appeared account had to be taken of the man; and so with his Order,
whenever it appears it is to be recognized either by foes to oppose it or friends to love it and forward its work.
It has its churches—its missions—its colleges. In its churches it is faithful to the teaching of Christ and His
Church, loyal ever to the Vicar of Christ; in its missions, unbounded in zeal and personal self−sacrifice; in its
colleges, it aims ever at the solid and thorough training of complete Christian education. Ignatius of Loyola
made his Order to go on without him, and it goes on just as he made it.
*****
35

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
PRINTED BY BENZIGER BROTHERS, NEW YORK

36