At Rome, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, cleric of the Society of Jesus and confessor, most renowned for his contempt of the princely dignity and the innocence of his life.  Pope Benedict XIII placed him on the canon of the saints as special protector of young students; Pope Pius XI confirmed this and again solemnly declared him to be the heavenly patron of all Christian youth. (Roman Martyrology)

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)