The book covers Ignatius' early life, his conversion, and his journey to becoming a highly influential figure in the Catholic Church. Joly delves into Ignatius' spiritual practices, including his famous Spiritual Exercises, and his role in the Counter-Reformation. Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish nobleman whose life transformed from a soldier to a devout Catholic priest and founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) after a serious cannonball injury led to profound spiritual reflection, inspiring his key work, the Spiritual Exercises, and a new religious order focused on education, missionary work, and service, becoming a major force in the Counter-Reformation. During convalescence, he read religious books (lives of Christ and saints) instead of chivalric romances, sparking a deep spiritual transformation, a realization of God's call, and a desire to serve.