The compiler of the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius was described  as being above all a man of God, who gave the first place of his life to God, and a man of profound prayer. He was active in fighting the Protestant Reformation. We celebrate his feast day on July 31, the day of his death. Saint Ignatius is venerated as the patron saint of Catholic soldiers, the ordinariate of the Philippine military, the Basque country and various towns and cities in his native region. (Wikipedia, 2008)