Day 7:  Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

Aloysius was born into a very influential Italian family.  His family was entangled in wealthy Italian social circles where promiscuity, materialism, selfishness, and vanity were the norm. As a child and then a teenager, most of the adults he knew were engaging in greedy business dealings, tangled romantic affairs, unapologetically selfish political maneuverings, and senseless violence.  The graphic details of these situations make even the juiciest stories of Hollywood gossip from our time seem very tame. 

Furthermore, clergy were scandalously interwoven into this culture of selfishness. Some clerics were among the worst when it came to greed, vanity, lust, and dishonesty.  In fact, several of Aloysius’ extended family members were among the clergy enmeshed in scandals.

Aloysius was raised and mentored to carry on the worst of family legacies.  He was on track to take a lead role in the drama of immorality many members of his prestigious family helped to perpetuate.  Yet, at a certain point in his life, Aloysius dared to be different. Aloysius chose to go against the status quo of sinful, egotistical behavior that surrounded him.

He chose to follow God’s commandments.  He made time for daily prayer.  He volunteered to serve people in need. All while also carefully navigating the drama and the messy situations that his family and peers continually were creating by their preposterous lifestyles.  He eventually left the riches of his family behind and managed to join the Jesuits, despite criticism from family members.

In 1591 an epidemic broke out in Rome.  Over 60,000 people in Italy would die over the course of a year from the disease.  Aloysius begged for alms to aid the ill and their families.  He found himself deeply repulsed by the nasty symptoms of the diseased.  The sights and odors were absolutely disgusting.  Yet, he personally fed, nursed, and comforted them anyway.  Eventually, Aloysius would fall ill as he served those suffering from the epidemic, dying on June 21, 1591.  He was 23 years old.  His feast day is June 21.

Questions for Reflection

Saint Aloysius did not find serving the ill to be attractive to him or desirable, but he discerned that God was asking him to serve these suffering people anyway.  Is there a type of service you dismiss too quickly simply because it seems unpleasant or unattractive?  Are there particular aspects of a vocation which involve sacrifice that God might be asking you to make?

One of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga’s favorite prayers was very simple.  He would frequently pray: “Lord, guide me!”  Where in your life do you need the Lord’s guidance and wisdom the most right now?  

Prayer

Lord God,

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga brought renewal and purification to your Church through his holiness of life and charity to the sick and dying.  Lord, guide me to know my vocation and help me to live it with enthusiasm.  Give me the grace to serve you faithfully even when sacrifice is required of me.  

May my life reflect the purity and dedication of Jesus, your Son. Amen.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us!