Aloysius’ greatest desire was to become a missionary priest, a Jesuit. His father strongly disagreed, and insisted that he not throw away his bright career and future. After years of struggle, at the age of 18, Aloysius won. He gave up his birthright and became a Jesuit novice in Rome. The only career he desired was to be with God. He could be a little too fervent in his desire to fast and to pray at every moment. His spiritual director helped him to develop a healthy balance in his religious life by eating enough and dividing his time between prayer, study, and social time with his fellow students. Aloysius made it a habit to look down, in his desire not to be tempted by what he could see around him. He wanted to live only a Godly life. As the plague broke out in Rome, Aloysius cared for sick and dying patients and carried them to hospital. Soon he caught the disease himself, and fell fatally ill. The last word on his lips was “Jesus.” #Saintoftheday #feastday #saintaloysius #OnlineSaints #saintaloysiusgonzaga #ignatius500
