Our Patron Saint

                   Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

                                 1568-1591

            "Patron Saint of Catholic Youth"

  Saint Aloysius Gonzaga was born on 9 March 1568. His father was Ferinand de Gonzaga, Marquis of Castiglione. His mother was Martha de Tana Santena.

  It was his mother's wish for Aloysius to be a churchman. His father desired for him a career in arms. At the age if five years, he was placed in an army camp of which his father was chief. Within a year he was sent home because of mischievous conduct. As years went on the effects of his mother's teaching began to show in him. He hated the vulgarity in speech or act which ran rampant through the army camp. In 1577, Aloysius pronounced the vow of perpetual cnastity. In 1581, he becam a page to the heir of the Spanish throne at Madrid. Finally, his father conceded to his wished and on 28 November 1585, Aloysius signed away his right to the title and lands of Gonzaga. He joined the Society fo Jesus ("Jesuits") and for the next six years he lived at Rome, Naples, and Milan. In caring for the sick, he contracted the plague and died in Rome on 20 June 1591, in the 24th year of his life. 

His motto was: "I was born for greater things."