Saint Aloysius Gonzaga: The Heir Who Served Plague Victims

Aloysius Gonzaga, also known as Luigi, was the eldest son of the Marquis of Castiglione and heir to the title of a powerful family. His path in life seemed already set. Yet from about the age of seven, he was drawn to prayer instead and turned away from the courtly lifestyle around him. The details of his life are known mainly from the records of the Society of Jesus, the religious order he would later enter.

Prayer became part of his daily life. He attended Mass every day, received Communion every week, and fasted three days a week. As his standing at the royal court rose higher, his desires moved in another direction: he wanted to become a Jesuit, a member of the Society of Jesus. An experience in prayer on August 15, 1583, confirmed that decision.

His family did not easily accept that decision. His father was furious because his heir wanted to give up everything that had been so carefully prepared for him. But Aloysius's determination proved stronger. In the end, his father gave his permission.

In November 1585, Aloysius handed over his right of inheritance to his younger brother, Rudolph, and set out for Rome. There he presented himself to Claudio Acquaviva, the Superior General, or highest leader, of the Society of Jesus, who admitted him to the novitiate of Sant'Andrea, the place of initial formation for those preparing to become Jesuits. Centuries later, Pope Francis praised Aloysius's ability to make important decisions for his life without being carried away by careerism and the worship of money. According to the Pope, such freedom must be cared for through an inner life: prayer, study, and listening to one's conscience.

When plague and famine struck Italy, Aloysius joined in caring for the victims. For the sake of the sick, he did not hesitate to beg for alms. He picked up the people he found in the streets and carried them to the hospital himself. There he washed them, fed them, and helped them prepare to receive the sacraments.

Many young Jesuits also fell ill during the time of the plague. Aloysius himself was infected while caring for a man who had the plague; the order's records only summarize this part without detailing the sequence of events. He knew his death was near and asked for Communion. He died at the age of 23. Pope Francis would later call him a model because he died after giving himself completely in service to plague sufferers, people who were pushed to the margins and discarded by society.

The Church honors Aloysius Gonzaga as a saint. On June 13, 1926, Pope Pius XI issued the Apostolic Letter Singulare Illud on him as Patron of Catholic Youth. Pope Francis said that one of his distinctive features is the capacity to love with a pure and free heart.

Church status

Saint, named as patron of youth

Family background

Eldest son of the Marquis of Castiglione and heir to the family title (according to the Society of Jesus)

Renounced inheritance

November 1585, to his younger brother, Rudolph; then set out for Rome and was admitted to the novitiate of Sant'Andrea (according to the Society of Jesus)

Age at death

23, after contracting the plague while caring for the sick (according to the Society of Jesus)

Resting place

Church of Saint Ignatius, Rome

Patron of Catholic Youth

Apostolic Letter Singulare Illud by Pope Pius XI, June 13, 1926