St. Aloysius Gonzaga

 Feast Day: June 21

Biography:

St. Aloysius Gonzaga was born on March 9, 1568, in the castle of Castiglione delle Stiviere, in Lombardy, northern Italy.

He was the eldest son of Ferrante Gonzaga, Marquis of Castiglione, and was destined for military service. He grew up in a castle environment, trained as a soldier and courtier, yet he was deeply religious from a young age. Despite his family's status and expectations, Aloysius felt a strong call to the religious life.

Spiritual Journey: At the age of 18, he renounced his right to the family title and fortune and entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He was particularly drawn to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.                                                    

Image from christianapostles website

In 1591, a plague broke out in Rome. Aloysius volunteered to care for the victims, showing immense compassion and dedication.

He contracted the disease himself while serving the sick and died on June 21, 1591, at the young age of 23.

He was beatified in 1605 and canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.

Patronage:

Saint Aloysius is the patron saint of young students, Christian youth, the blind, AIDS patients, and AIDS caregivers.

He is often invoked as a patron for purity and is seen as a role model for young people.

Prayer to St. Aloysius Gonzaga

"O Saint Aloysius, adorned with angelic graces, I call upon your blessed name with confidence. Guide me in my struggles, protect me in my endeavors, and intercede for me with your compassion. Help me to emulate your purity of heart and your unwavering devotion to God’s will. May your holy life inspire me to lead a life of virtue and service, walking faithfully in the path of love and compassion. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflecting on the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, one is inspired by his youthful passion, deep faith, and selfless service. His decision to abandon earthly titles and riches for a life of spiritual richness teaches us the value of prioritizing our spiritual journey over worldly desires. His dedication to serving the most vulnerable, even at the cost of his own life, is a powerful example of Christian love and sacrifice. May his life inspire us to live with a pure heart, devoted to serving others and God.

St Alice

 Feast Day: June 15

Saint Alice, also known as Alice of Schaerbeek, (Adelaide, or Aleydis), Alice the Leper, Sint Aleydis, or Sainte Alix, was a 13th-century Christian saint and a member of the Cistercian Order. Her life, marked by illness and spiritual resilience, has been a source of inspiration for many in the Christian tradition.

Here's a brief biography:

Early Life

Birth: Saint Alice was born in the early 1200s in Schaerbeek, near Brussels, in what is now Belgium.

Background: Little is known about her family or early childhood.

Religious Life

Entry into Religious Life: At a young age, Alice entered a Cistercian monastery in La Cambre, Belgium. This decision might have been influenced by her desire for a spiritual life or by her family.

Spiritual Commitment: In the monastery, she dedicated herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service.

Illness and Suffering

Onset of Leprosy: At a young age, Alice was afflicted with leprosy. This disease was highly stigmatized at the time, often leading to isolation.

Her illness resulted in physical suffering, including the loss of her sight and eventual paralysis. Despite these challenges, she continued her spiritual practices.

Spiritual Insights: Her illness became a significant part of her spiritual journey, teaching her deep empathy and compassion for others who suffer.

Legacy: Saint Alice is often invoked by those suffering from blindness, paralysis, and other illnesses.

Death and Legacy

Saint Alice died at a young age. The exact year of her death is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the mid-13th century.

Patronage:

Saint Alice is known as the patron saint of the blind and paralyzed, a role that reflects her own struggles with blindness and paralysis due to leprosy.

She is also venerated by those suffering from illnesses or disabilities, especially those affecting the skin.

Prayer:

"O Holy Saint Alice, who in your earthly life bore the burdens of illness with patience and grace, hear our prayers. In your compassion, intercede for us with God, that we may find strength in our own trials and tribulations. Guide those who are afflicted, especially the blind and paralyzed, with your gentle spirit. May we learn from your example to embrace our sufferings with faith and to find in them a deeper union with Christ. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflect on the life of Saint Alice as a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity. Her acceptance of suffering as a part of her spiritual journey reminds us that our trials can lead to spiritual growth. Let her life be a source of inspiration and courage, especially when we encounter our own challenges and hardships.

Saint Alice's story is a powerful example of unwavering faith and serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in vulnerability and trust in God's plan.