What spiritual experiences did St. Ignatius of Loyola describe at the Cardoner River?

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Engraving by Lucas Vorsterman after Peter Paul Rubens showing St. Ignatius of Loyola with a halo, hands clasped in prayer before a crucifix and open book. — St. Ignatius of Loyola Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534. The Jesuit order received official papal approval in 1540 and became a key player in the Counter-Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries.

While sitting on the banks of the Cardoner River during his time in Manresa, St. Ignatius of Loyola experienced a profound moment of spiritual illumination. According to his Autobiography, he described that "the eyes of his understanding began to open" and that, without seeing any specific vision, he gained a deep understanding and knowledge of many things, including both spiritual matters and truths of the faith.1