Daily Saint

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, born in 1568 in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy, was the second son of a noble family. Despite his privileged upbringing, he felt a profound call to holiness from an early age. And though he endured poor health since childhood, he had a great desire to become a missionary.

Aloysius was sent to the Spanish court for education. He resisted the temptations of wealth and status and stayed focused on God and spiritual discipline. At 17, he boldly joined the Society of Jesus. He gave up his inheritance and privilege, a decision that shocked his family. No matter their efforts to dissuade him, he stayed resolute in his religious calling.

As a Jesuit, Aloysius studied philosophy and theology. He lived a life of austerity, obedience, and prayer. He began his studies in Milan but was sent back to Rome because of his health. In 1588, he started theological studies for ordination. In 1590, it is said that he had a vision in which Archangel Gabriel told him he would die within a year.

A year later, a plague broke out in Rome. The Jesuits set up a care center for the victims, and Aloysius volunteered to serve. He worked long hours caring for patients, often exposing himself to contagion. His compassion and courage inspired many around him.

At only 23, Aloysius was infected while caring for the sick and died on June 20, 1591. Those who knew him were touched by his virtues of piety and purity and by his selfless service. Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726.