3 Ignatius the youth.

          At the age of 16 Ignatius left Loyola and went to live in the household of Juan Velazquez de Cuellar in the town of Arevalo near Avila. Juan was the treasurer of Spain and in his large house Ignatius learnt to live the life of a knight, i.e. a soldier who would be in the service of a Prince. He had to learn the skills of using personal weapons such as the sword and the dagger. He had to learn the practice of chivalry, good behaviour and care of others, especially women and children. He learnt also how to defend the honour of his Prince. He was trained in correct speech, good manners, proper bearing (proper way of dressing and walking). He developed love for music, song and dance. He was trained to write poetry and to prepare legal documents. Above all else, he was trained to be loyal to his master. Much of this training was done by watching and imitating others. These years at Arevalo had a very deep effect on Ignatius and moulded his character. 

    In 1516 Ignatius went into the service of the Duke (a local king) of Navarre. It was similar to life at Arevalo. But at Navarre he had more responsibilities and he even had to take part in some battles. Ignatius was there till 1521. 

    Both the households (Arevalo and Navarre) were deeply Catholic. However, not everyone lived up to the faith they professed. During these years Ignatius was trained in courtesy and in diplomacy (art of dealing with men). At times Ignatius too did not live up to his faith. When summing up this period of his life in 1553, he said, “Up to this 26^th year (it was actually up to his 31^st year) he was a man given over to the vanities of the world and took a special delight in the exercise of weapons, with a great and vain desire of winning glory (to earn a big name on earth)”.

(to be continued chapter 4. Ignatius at Pamlona)

"Placed with the Son"- A short biography of St.Ignatius--- Fr.Lawrence Dharmaraj 

(From the personal study notes under the guidance of late Fr.Maurice Dullard s.j)