Short, Saintly life of Aloysius Gonzaga – Jun 21 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Jun 21, 2023, on the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, who lived a very saintly life even at a relatively young age, so much so that God took him to himself at an early age soon after entering the Jesuits and taking care of plague victims.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, born in a castle in Castiglione in 1568, was prepared by his parents for both spiritual and worldly duties. Trained in warfare from a young age, he even sustained superficial injuries from a misfired toy gun and a recoil of a cannon. His conversion completed at seven, Saint Aloysius focused on prayer and charity, living a life free of mortal sin according to his confessor, St. Robert Bellarmine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Bellarmine

Sent to the Medici court in Florence as a page, he found it vain. However, he continued his spiritual growth and made a vow of virginity. At ten, he decided to become a priest. His life took a turn after meeting St. Charles Borromeo, who gave him his first communion and became a spiritual guide.

Surviving a carriage accident, he decided to join the Jesuits, causing discord with his father but bringing joy to his mother. His father eventually relented and, in 1585, Aloysius renounced his inheritance in favor of his elder brother, entering the Jesuits.

His brother, Rudolf, later became a tyrant and was excommunicated and murdered. Aloysius, in contrast, maintained his saintly path. As a Jesuit, he served the plague-stricken people of Rome, eventually contracting the plague himself. In his final hours, he thanked God for the imminence of death and heaven. He died on June 21, 1591, at 23 years of age, having become a saint in less than six years with the Jesuits.

00:00 – Introduction
00:12 – Early Life and Childhood
01:48 – St Aloysius' Spiritual Awakening and Dedication to Piety
02:19 – Aloysius' Desire to Become a Priest, and Struggle with his Father.
04:32 – The Contrast between St Aloysius and His Brother
06:11 – St. Aloysius's Life as a Jesuit, Sacrifice in the Plague, and Death.

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Aloysius Gonzaga - Mem - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Bellarmine
Readings: Wednesday 11th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062123.cfm
1st: 2co 9:6-11
Resp: psa 112:1-4, 9
Gsp: mat 6:1-6, 16-18

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1092&r=1421

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