St. Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J.

June 21, is the feast day of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian Jesuit known for his courage in serving the sick and his dedication to the education of young students. In 1591, a plague swept over Rome. St. Aloysius volunteered to serve at the Jesuit-established hospital, where he and his fellow Jesuits worked directly with the infected. St. Aloysius begged for alms for the victims and also worked one-on-one to feed and clean those affected by the epidemic. He contracted the plague and his health declined quickly. He died in Rome on June 21, 1591, at the age of 23, and we was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.

We invite you to come to the Chapel of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J. in St. Ignatius Church. Volunteers and staff are providing opportunities for reflection and engagement in this chapel and we hope you will visit! In this chapel, you will find our church’s only visible body in repose—a stark reminder that God often asks us to see and react with empathy to that which might make us uncomfortable or challenge our expectations. We invite you to be inspired by his example—to see the needs around you, and to respond with compassion and courage.

Life of Saint Alyosius Gonzaga by Jesuit Father Virgilio Cepari was originally published in the early 17th century and is a primary source for subsequent accounts of St. Aloysius.