Today's first reading (Sirach 48:1-14) focuses our attention once again on the person of Elijah. Known and revered for his holiness, Elijah was granted the special privilege of speaking words that were like a flaming furnace (Sir 48:1) and of ultimately being enveloped in a whirlwind (Sir 48:12) and taken into heaven at the end of his earthly life. Such dramatic images make the history of God's people truly something to behold, but what is even more compelling is the fact that the lives we are meant to live in relationship with our God are just as compelling.
One example of such a compelling life is found in Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. Born 9 March 1568 not far from Brescia (in Northern Italy), Luigi (as he was known at the time, was from an aristocratic family. The first-born of seven children, he was in line to inherit his father's title and status as Marquis. In preparation for this eventuality, he received military training from an early age, but he also received an education in languages and in the arts.
By the age of 8, Luigi had already witnessed the death of two of his brothers, and himself contracted a kidney disease. Recovering from his illness, he began to read about the saints and to spend much of his time in prayer. In 1580, he met Cardinal Charles Borromeo who celebrated the Sacrament of Communion with him for the first time on 22 July of that year.
Having read a book about Jesuit missionaries in India, Luigi felt strongly that he wanted to be a missionary. He began by teaching catechism to young boys in his hometown of Castiglione during the summer months. He also visited the Capuchin Friars and the Barnabites in the Dutchy of Montferrat where his family spent the winter months. Perhaps during those visits, he was further enticed to consider a religious vocation.
In 1581, Luigi began to seriously consider joining a religious Order. He considered the Capuchins but he had a Jesuit confessor at the time and decided to join that Order instead. His mother was happy about his decision but his father was furious because this would have changed his hopes and dreams for his beloved son. It wasn't until November 1585 that Luigi renounced all rights to inherit his father's fortune and title, choosing instead to lead a life of asceticism. On 25 November of that year, he was accepted as a Novice in the Society of Jesus.
Throughout his Noviciate and studies in philosophy, he continued to suffer from kidney disease as well as skin disease, chronic headaches and insomnia. It was in 1587 that he took the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and then began his studies in theology.
In 1591, a plague broke out in Rome and the Jesuits opened a hospital to care for those who were stricken by the disease. Aloysius volunteered to care for the sick and the dying, washing and feeding plague victims and preparing them to receive the Sacraments. Though he persisted in this work, he privately confessed to his spiritual director that he was revolted by the sights and smells of such work.
Eventually, his exposure to the plague victims resulted in his own contracting of the disease. A few days before his 23rd birthday - on 3 March 1591, Aloysius was bedridden by his disease. Over the next few months, he rallied but eventually, he died on 21 June 1591. He was buried in the church of Saint Ignatius Loyola in Rome (Sant'Ignazio).
Even today, many centuries later, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga continues to inspire many young people to discover the gift of their faith. May he also encourage them to say yes to the Lord's invitation to follow in his footsteps: to be close to his people and to reach out to them with gestures of love, always caring for the wounds of Christ in the visible and invisible wounds of others.
Have a great day.
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