St. Aloysius Gonzaga

• born in Castiglione, Italy – March 9, 1568 died June 21, 1591

• Feast day June 21st

• Spent his early years with his father in the army, although he devoted his heart and soul to the service of God.

• As a teenager he was sent to Spain to serve as a page to Prince James. It was here where he sought solace in learning about the lives of the saints and his heart became more drawn to God

• After years of convincing his father of his desire to become a Jesuit, Aloysius entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 18. – receiving minor orders soon after

• A plague struck Rome in 1591 and Aloysius served those in need at the Jesuit hospital. It was here, while caring for the sick, that Aloysius became ill.   

• Aloysius passed away on June 21, 1591 at the age of 23; never reaching the priesthood

• Canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII

• Declared patron saint of Catholic Youth in 1729 (He is also the patron saint of teenagers)