Editing Ignatius of Loyola (section)

===Early Life and Military Career===

Ignatius was born in the [[Basque region]] of Spain at the castle of Loyola in the town of [[Azpeitia]], in the province of [[Gipuzkoa]]. He was the youngest of thirteen children in a minor noble family. His father, Beltrán Ibáñez de Oñaz, was lord of Oñaz and Loyola, and his mother, Marina Sáenz de Licona y Balda, died when Ignatius was still young.

As a youth, Ignatius was sent to serve as a page in the household of Juan Velázquez de Cuéllar, the treasurer of the Kingdom of [[Castile]]. During this period, he developed the courtly manners and martial aspirations typical of Spanish nobility. He was known for his vanity, his interest in military exercises, and his romantic pursuits. By his own later admission, he led a life that was worldly and focused on personal glory.

In 1517, Ignatius entered military service under Antonio Manrique de Lara, Duke of Nájera, and Viceroy of [[Navarre]]. He participated in several military campaigns and proved himself a capable soldier. His military career came to an abrupt end on 20 May 1521, during the [[Battle of Pamplona]], when a cannonball struck his legs, shattering one and wounding the other. This injury would prove to be the pivotal moment of his life.