Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, was originally born with the name Luigi. His family was very wealthy and Aloysius grew up in a castle in Castiglione delle Stiviere, which is in the northern part of Italy. His family was very well known around his parts, St. Aloysius Gonzaga was the son of Ferrante Gonzaga.
While Aloysius grew up his family, especially his father, expected him to be soldier. This was due to the always ongoing local wars that took place in Italy. Aloysius did as they pleased, and began his military training when he was very young. He learned this along with foreign languages and several other subjects.
At the young age of eight, Aloysius was shipped of to Florence with his brother to further his education, while serving at the court of Grand Duke of Matua. Aloysius did not enjoy the way of life he was introduced to in Florence, it was far to frantic and wild for his taste.
Did you know Saint Aloysius Gonzaga suffered from kidney disease? Well he did, and this is the main reason why he became interested in the Catholic religion. In his free time while he was sick, Aloysius began reading every day about different saints. This led to him eventually spending many hours a day in prayer.
Saint Aloysius took a private vow of chastity, when he was just nine years old.
In 1580, Aloysius met Cardinal Charles Borromeo. The cardinal realized that nobody had ever given Aloysius his first holy communion, and proceeded to give him his.
Aloysius really wanted to join a religious order and had narrowed it down to two. He either wanted to join the Capuchins or the Jesuits. He chose to become a Jesuit.
His family did not fully support his decision though. His mother didn’t like his decision but still supported him, but his father was outraged that his son would not carry on his way of life.
His family tried to convince him to become a secular priest, so he could still indulge in the two different ways of life, but Aloysius did not want that. He wanted to truly give himself to the Lord.
Aloysius gave up all of his rights that he held by being the first born son in his family. He gave let all the possessions he would have eventually received go to his younger brother. To do this he had to visit Rome because he was from such a well known, and wealthy family.
On November 25, 1585 Aloysius was accepted into the Jesuit novicate. Aloysius still suffered even more health issues after his kidney troubles. He also had chronic headaches, insomnia, and a skin disease. Aloysius studied in Milan for a few months, but had to be sent back to Rome shortly after due to his declining health.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga took three vows in his lifetime. These were vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. In 1590, Aloysius had a vision from the Archangel Gabriel, who told him that he would die within one year of that day.
In the next year the plague would break out in Rome. Aloysius helped out in a hospital the Jesuits started to help those afflicted by the illness.
This is what led to his eventual death. Aloysius became infected with the plague and this, on top of his other illnesses, was too much for him to handle.
He passed away on March 21st of that year he was pronounced dead. Aloysius is buried in the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation, in Rome. That church has been since renamed the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Aloysius changed his name to Robert right before his death, he did so in memory of Robert Bellarmine, a cardinal who he confessed his sins to before death.
Pope Paul V canonized Aloysius a saint on October 19, 1605. This was just fourteen years after he passed away!
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of people living with AIDS, young students, and the town of Valmontone. His feast day is celebrated on June 21st each year, and his is usually depicted with page or symbolized as a lily, a cross, or a skull.
No related posts.
