Saint Ignatius Loyola on Philippines Stamps

SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA

1491 to 31 July 1556

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was the founder of the Society of Jesus.

Ignatius was a Spanish knight but after his leg was seriously wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, he underwent a spiritual conversion while in recovery. He claimed to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus at the shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, while living as a hermit in a cave at nearby Manresa.

Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus which received recognition from Pope Paul III. As Superior General of the Jesuits, he sent his companions as missionaries around Europe to create schools, colleges, and seminaries. His main principle became the Jesuit motto: Ad maiorem Dei gloriam ("for the greater glory of God").

Ignatius was beatified by Pope Paul V in July 1609 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV in March 1622.

Saint Ignatius is venerated as the patron saint of Catholic soldiers, the ordinariate of the Philippine military.

Ateneo de Manila, Centenary #810 and 811, 10 Dec 1959

exists with perf 13.5 and perf 12

400 Years of the Jesuits in the Philippines #1533, 31 Jul 1981

#1537a, 31 Jul 1981

part of a Souvenir Sheet

#1737a, Jan 1985

part of a Souvenir Sheet

Souvenir Sheet #1737, Jan 1985

first printing has period missing from “P300” second printing corrected to “P3.00”

Jesuit schools and general educational institutions have been established worldwide and include the Ateneo de Manila and Ateneo de Davao Universities. The stamps depicts a statue at the Ateneo of Manila of Ignatius at his vigil of arms; the coat of arms immediately behind him is that of the Loyola family.

Ateneo de Davao University, 6oth Anniversary #3167b, 31 Jul 2008

part of a se-tennant block of 4 and on Souvenir Sheet

Ateneo de Manila, 150th Anniversary #3223c, 24 Jun 2009

part of a se-tennant block of 4 and on Souvenir Sheet

Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Centenary 3421d, 19 Mar 2012

part of a se-tennant block of 4 and on Souvenir Sheet

Ateneo de Naga University, 75th Anniversary 3612a, 5 June 2015

part of a se-tennant pair

The design reflects the symbol of the Golden Knight, St. Ignatius of Loyola who was a soldier before his saintly conversion.

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SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA

1491 to 31 July 1556