Saint Aloysius de Gonzaga, S.J. (Italian: Luigi de Gonzaga;[1] 9 March 1568 – 21 June 1591) was an Italian aristocrat who became a member of the Society of Jesus. While still a student at the Roman College, he died as a result of caring for the victims of a serious epidemic. He was beatified in 1605 and canonized in 1726.
In 1729, Pope Benedict XIII declared Aloysius de Gonzaga to be the patron saint of young students. In 1926, he was named patron of all Christian youth by Pope Pius XI. Owing to the manner of his death, he has been considered a patron saint of plague victims. For his compassion and courage in the face of an incurable disease, Aloysius Gonzaga has become the patron both of AIDS sufferers and their caregivers.[10] Aloysius is also the patron of Valmontone, a town in Lazio.
As we celebrate this great Saint we remember our young students and Christian youths all over the world. Through the intercession of St. Aloysius Gonzaga may God enlighten them and deliver them from youth related bondage through Christ our Lord - Amen!
St. Aloysius - Pray for us!
Amen!
ReplyDeleteThanks Padre for such a wonderful one, and may the Holy Spirit continue to inspire you per Christum Dominum Nostrum... Amen!