St. Aloysius Gonzaga was born in Northern Italy. His father wanted him to join the military but at the age of 9, St. Aloysius had decided he wanted to join the religious life.
He received his First Holy Communion from St. Charles Borromeo. He suffered from a kidney disease and spent most of time in prayer and reading the lives of the saints.
At the age of 18, he joined the Jesuits. He died at the age of 23, while caring for the victims of a plague in Milan.
He is the patron saint of youth.
Prayer to St. Aloysius Gonzaga –
St. Aloysius, you were a faithful follower of Christ in the Society of Jesus. You steadily strove for perfection while generously serving the plague-stricken. Help our youth today who are faced with a plague of false cults and false gods. Show them how to harness their energies and to use them for their own and others’ fulfillment – which will redound to the greater glory of God. Amen.
