St. Aloysius was born in Castiglione, Italy. The first words St. Aloysius spoke were the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. He was destined for the military by his father (who was in service to Philip II), but by the age of 9 Aloysius had decided on a religious life, and made a vow of perpetual virginity. To safeguard himself from possible temptation, he would keep his eyes persistently downcast in the presence of women. St. Charles Borromeo gave him his first Holy Communion. A kidney disease prevented St. Aloysius from a full social life for a while, so he spent his time in prayer and reading the lives of the saints. Although he was appointed a page in Spain, St. Aloysius kept up his many devotions and austerities, and was quite resolved to become a Jesuit. His family eventually moved back to Italy, where he taught catechism to the poor. When he was 18, he joined the Jesuits, after finally breaking down his father, who had refused his entrance into the order. He served in a hospital during the plague of 1587 in Milan, and died from it at the age of 23, after receiving the last rites from St. Robert Bellarmine. The last word he spoke was the Holy Name of Jesus. St. Robert wrote the Life of St. Aloysius.
Comments
St. Aloysius is very interesting to me to research. My grandfather was named Aloysius and I named my son after him. It is amazing to be able to research the saint behind that name. I am told time and time again that it is such a neat name!! It is very meaningful to me
Nicole Fox | 7/18/2009
the story of st. aloysius was very touching and inspirable.
god bless!
catherine | 7/2/2008
I am seeking Saints of Burundi because I am working on a Circle of Prayer with a number of v. responsible Burundian Catholics at home and away from home - diplomats and exiles to whom I have ministered for many years as an Anglican Priest before becoming Catholic.
There are three areas of prayer with which I am curently concerned:
1.
a. Those suffering from AIds and HIV.
b. Those who care for them.
c Those who have political responsibility in this area.
2.
a. Burundian Exiles in Europe, espcially those who have left the Catholic Church.
b. For those promoting a more focussed Catholic concern for them.
For a group of people, not least my Burundian Foster Chidren who have returned home to to work for Peace and Development and to attract Interest in Tourism, and for Ministers and Dilplomats who support them.
TO WHICH SAINTS MIGHT WE APPEAL FOR PRAYER AND INTERCESSION./
Attention was made to The Holy Mother of God only in the last few days; the message I received was unclear; is She to be recognised as Patron, perhaps?
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