Scripture Readings

• First Reading: 1 John 5:1-5

• Responsorial Psalm: Ps 16 (15):1-2a+5, 7-8, 11

• Alleluia Verse: John 13:34

• Gospel: Matt 22:34-40

Reflection on Today’s Feast

By Mr. Wendell Laurent

Today the Church commemorates St. Aloysius Gonzaga, SJ (1568-1591), the son of an Italian aristocrat who left his powerful family to join the Society of Jesus and died as a young man caring for plague victims. Aloysius died as a Jesuit scholastic, and, along with Sts. John Berchmans & Stanislaus Kostka, he is considered one of the three Jesuit "boy saints."

Aloysius was thrust into adult responsibilities at the age of four when he began his training as a soldier and courtier. At the age of eight he served in the court of Grand Duke Francesco I de'Medici. At that young age, he began to suffer from kidney disease, and in the process of recovery spent time in spiritual reading and prayer. At the age of nine Gonzaga made a private vow of chastity.

The political intrigue and corruption surrounding Aloysius would take the lives of two of his brothers, but he had strong spiritual allies, including St. Charles Borromeo from whom he received his first Holy Communion. Aloysius also began to teach catechism to young boys. Much to the displeasure and anger of his father, Aloysius announced his intention to become a Jesuit. His family tried to convince him to be a secular priest so that they could "buy" him a bishopric. Aloysius was adamant, however, and at the age of 18 he signed away his legal claim to his family lands and title.

In 1585 Aloysius was accepted as a Jesuit novice. In Rome his spiritual director was St. Robert Bellarmine, who counseled Gonzaga to spend less time in private devotions and more time befriending and counseling his companions. Never in good health, Aloysius successfully continued his studies. When the plague hit Rome in 1591 he actively cared for the sick. Aloysius developed the symptoms of the plague and died soon after on June 21, 1591.

Aloysius Gonzaga was canonized in 1726 and named Patron of All Students in1729. (From: IgnatianSpirituality.com)

St. Aloysius is also the patron saint of AIDS victims and their caregivers. He has been invoked as well during this time of pandemic.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for all those around the world who continue to suffer from COVID-19,
all first responders and caregivers who continue to help them, those who have lost their lives to this disease,
and their friends and families who mourn them.

Mr. Wendell Laurent serves as the Vocation Team Coordinator for the USA East Jesuit Province.