St. Aloysius Gonzaga

ALOYSIUS lived in the castle of the Gonzaga family in Italy. As a little boy he spent some time with his father in the army. There he picked up rough language. His mother scolded him and taught him what a terrible thing it is to offend God. He began to love prayer and to think about hif soul of God.
      Aloysius was sent to Madrid, in Spain, to become a page to a prince, and to receive an education. But his motto was: "I was born for greater things." At twenty he signed away forever his right to lands of the Gonzaga family and became a Jesuit novice.
      Aloysius' fellow students loved him because he was kind and willing to help them. They respected him because of his great love for purity.
      In Rome Aloysius took care of sick people in a hospital and before long he himself was ill. The sores caused by the disease were very painful. Aloysius never reached the priesthood; he passed away quietly as he gazed at a crucifix where he found strength to suffer. He was only twenty three years old. He is a patron of young people.