As the eldest son of an aristocratic family in Florence
Italy, in 1568, Aloysius would have inherited the great wealth of his
family. Growing up in 16th-century Italy
was not that different from growing up in 21st century America. It was a lax, morally careless,
self-indulgent age. And at the age of seven, though he having been to exposed
to society’s corruption, brutality and lust, Aloysius had a profound spiritual
awakening.
By age 11 he was teaching catechism to poor children, fasting
three days a week and practicing great austerities. After reading a book about
Jesuit missionaries in India, Aloysius announced his desire to be a priest in
the Society of Jesus, though it took four years for him to obtain permission
from his father, who had more worldly dreams for his son.
Aloysius saw the decadence around him and vowed not to be
part of it. So he joined the
Jesuits.
In 1591, a catastrophic plague struck Rome and the Jesuits
opened up a hospital. The young Jesuit
novice, Aloysius, nursed patients, washed them and made their beds, carried
them on his shoulders. As a result of
his tireless care of the sick, Aloysius caught the disease himself. He was
overcome with a great fever, and though he could scarcely rise from bed, he
maintained a great discipline in prayer.
He died at the age of 23 in 1591.
He was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1605.
St. Aloysius took seriously the motto of the Jesuits: Ad
maiorem Dei gloriam, For the greater glory of God. Through the intercession of
St. Aloysius, may each of us consider how God is calling us to grow in
holiness, in our efforts to serve the needy, in our willingness to suffer for
the kingdom, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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