St aloysius gonzaga

St Aloysius was the eldest son of a Mantuan nobleman, and was intended by his father to be a soldier. Aloysius, on the other hand, had determined to be a missionary, and even to die for his faith. He renounced his birthright in favour of his brother and at the age of 16 became a Jesuit novice in Rome, living the same life of severe austerity and penance that he had followed even when serving in the courts of dukes and princes. In 1591 an epidemic of plague broke out in Rome, and the Jesuits…

Feast day ~ June 21, St. Aloysius Gonzaga (1568–1591). He was born to a noble Italian family, the eldest of seven children, and was destined for military life. However, by the time he was 9 years of age he chose the religious life and made a personal vow of chastity. As a safeguard from temptation he kept his eyes downcast in the presence of women. Although many tried to persuade him from his chosen vocation, he was eventually allowed to renounce his inheritance in order to become a Jesuit…

St. Aloysius Gonzaga made in Germany Muenster Antique Mall