St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

Confessor

Aloysius was born in the year of Our Lord 1568, to an Italian prince of the Holy Roman Empire. His cousin Bl. Rodolfo Acquaviva became a Jesuit martyr. Aloysius received First Communion and spiritual guidance from St. Charles Borromeo himself, and at a young age he devoted himself to maintaining perfect chastity and humility. He spent most of his youth undergoing the usual training for a nobleman, but he was much more interested in spiritual matters, and he expressed gratitude to God for the chronic bouts of illness that allowed him more time for prayer. While in Spain Aloysius was inspired to join the Jesuits, and upon returning to Italy, he was eventually able to secure his father’s reluctant approval. He signed all rights of inheritance over to his brother, and made his vows at the age of nineteen. Four years later, a plague broke out in Italy, and despite his own weak health, Aloysius threw himself into caring for victims. He soon contracted the disease, and his confessor, St. Robert Bellarmine, assured the young man that to greet his death joyfully, out of a pious desire for unity with God, was by no means a sin. Aloysius died at the age of twenty-three, and is considered a patron of Catholic youth and students.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for June 21st

AT Rome, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, of the Society of Jesus, most renowned for his contempt of the princely dignity, and the innocence of his life.

Also, at Rome, St. Demetria, virgin, who was crowned with martyrdom under Julian the Apostate.

At Syracuse, in Sicily, the birthday of the holy martyrs Rufinus and Martia.

In Africa, the holy martyrs Cyriacus and Apollinaris.

At Mayence, St. Alban, martyr, who was made worthy of the crown of life, after long labors and severe combats.

The same day, St. Eusebius, bishop of Samosata, who, in the time of the Arian emperor Constantius, disguised himself under a military dress and visited the churches of God, to confirm them in the faith. By Valens he was banished into Thrace, but when peace was restored to the Church in the reign of Theodosius, he was recalled. As he again visited the churches, an Arian woman struck him with a tile, which fractured his skull and made him a martyr.

At Iconium, in Lycaonia, St. Terentius, bishop and martyr.

At Pavia, St. Urciscenus, bishop and confessor.

At Tongres, St. Martin, bishop.

In the diocese of Evreux, St. Leutfrid, abbot.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.