Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)
Image: Ruby Lane
(EWTN) Born in Italy Lombardy at the Castle of Castiglione delle Stivieri, Aloysius was the son of Ferdinand Gonzaga, a Prince in the Roman Empire, he was trained from the age of 4 as a Soldier and Courtier (advisor to the throne) according to SQPN and served as a Page in the Spanish Court.
At the age of 8 Aloysius was placed in the Court of Francesco de’Medici in Florence where he remained for two years, going then to Mantua–At the age of 12, Aloysius was put under the spiritual guidance of St. Charles Borromeo (Feast Day: 04 November) and from him, Aloysius received his First Communion.
In 1581 at the age of 13, Aloysius went with his father to Spain, where he and his brother were made Pages to James the son of Philip II while there, Aloysius made a commitment to himself to become a Jesuit, though he had first considered joining the ‘Discalced Carmelites’ — In 1584 Aloysius returned to Italy subsequent to the death of the Infanta and after much difficulty in securing his father’s consent, renouncing his heritage in favor of his brother–a proceeding which required the approval of the Emperor. Aloysius presented himself to Fr. Claudius Acquaviva who was then General of the Society.
Before the end of Aloysius novitiate, he passed a brilliant public act in Philosophy, having made his philosophical and also mathematical studies before his entrance. Aloysius had in-fact distinguished himself when in Spain by a public examination not only in Philosophy but also Theology at the University of Alcal & Aacuate.
Aloysius made his vows in 1587 immediately after he began his Theological studies–among his Professors were Fr. Vasquez and Fr. Azor. Three years later, while Aloysius was in his 4th yr of Theological studies a famine and pestilence broke out, even though Aloysius was not in the best of health, he devoted himself in caring for the sick–subsequently falling ill himself, he died at the age of just 23 on this date in 1591
In 1621 Aloysius was Beatified by Pope Gregory XV and was Canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII
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Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Visit: -USCCB