*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, also known as Luigi Gonzaga, is a devout Catholic and Jesuit who lived during the late 16th century. He is widely celebrated for his piety, selflessness, and dedication to serving God.
Aloysius Gonzaga was born on March 9, 1568, into a noble Italian family in the castle of Castiglione delle Stiviere in Lombardy, Italy. His father, Ferrante Gonzaga, was a Marquis, and his mother, Marta Tana di Santena, belonged to a prominent family. Aloysius was the eldest of seven children and was raised in an atmosphere of privilege and nobility. The Gonzagas were known as patrons of Renaissance artists, and they ruled what amounted to a kingdom.
“When He takes away what He once lent us, His purpose is to store our treasure elsewhere, more safely and bestow on us, those very blessings, that we ourselves would most choose to have.”
St. Aloysius Gonzaga
From an early age, Aloysius exhibited a deep sense of piety and devotion to his Catholic faith. His mother instilled in him a strong religious foundation. At the age of nine, he began receiving his education under the guidance of his uncle, Don Luigi Gonzaga, who was a priest. Aloysius received his First Communion at the age of eleven, an event that deeply impacted him and solidified his commitment to a life of holiness.
A book about the experience of Jesuit missionaries in India suggested to him the idea of entering the order. Aloysius felt a strong calling and he expressed his desire to join the Society of Jesus and follow his vocation of priesthood. However, he faced stubborn opposition from his family, especially his father, who hoped he would follow a more conventional path, such as becoming a military hero. He eventually received their consent and entered the Jesuit novitiate in Rome at the age of 17.
During his time as a Jesuit novice, Aloysius embraced a life of asceticism and rigorous religious practice. He devoted himself to prayer and self-mortification. He was instructed by his spiritual advisors to eat more and to take recreation with the other students.
In 1591, a plague struck Rome and the Jesuits opened a hospital of their own to care for the sick. Aloysius cared for the sick very often, but he contracted the disease himself and never fully recovered. Even so, he maintained his great discipline of prayer, knowing that he would die three months later.
“He who wishes to love God does not truly love Him, if he has not an ardent and constant desire to suffer for His sake.”
St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga’s life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to the plague at the age of 23 on June 21, 1591, within the octave of Corpus Christi. His unwavering faith, selflessness, and dedication to the service of others left a profound impact on those who knew him. He was beatified in 1605 by Pope Paul V and canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is a model of purity, selflessness, and devotion to God. He serves as an inspiration to young Catholics and aspiring priests. His feast day is celebrated on June 21st, the anniversary of his death, and his example continues to be revered by the Catholic Church as a testament to the power of faith and selflessness in the service of others.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Aloysius Gonzaga was himself a young priest. If your parish has a deacon or a seminarian, invite them over for dinner to meet your family. If your parish does not have one, have your kids write letters or make cards for the seminarians in your diocese. They would love to hear and receive encouragement in their vocations from children in their flock!