Metanoia is a radical change of mind and heart away from the worldview of the culture and toward the worldview of Jesus. When someone experiences a true metanoia he or she takes on the ideas of Jesus's mind and heart. Metanoia takes a lot of effort. You must have a real change of heart and mind. Many times this takes hard work and a strong belief in God.

I think that St. Ignatius Loyola had a true metanoia in his life. Ignatius, like many other young men at that time, believed that happiness came with possessions and popularity. He thought that if he became a brave knight and was chivalrous and had many women then he would find happiness. Because of this worldview that Ignatius believed in, he felt empty for a good part of his life even though he had all the things that he thought would bring him happiness.

The event that started Ignatius's conversion was a battle he fought at Pamplona. During the battle Ignatius's leg was struck with a cannonball. He was sent to the hospital and was put on bed rest for quit a while. While in bed he had nothing to do besides read. The only books that were available for Ignatius to read were The Life of Jesus and The Lives of the Saints. After Ignatius read the books his whole mindset on life changed. He knew that God was calling him to a life of service. After Ignatius was released from the hospital he gave away all his possessions and lived life as a beggar. He also had long confession periods and prayed several hours each day. Ignatius showed that conversion was not easy. He was ridiculed for living as a beggar, but he still did not turn away from God. Ignatius had finally found true happiness just by finding God.

I think that Ignatius's life was a perfect example of how material goods and popularity cannot bring you true happiness, but that you will find happiness when you find God. He also shows that finding God is no easy task, but staying with God is an even harder one.