INTERFAITH WISDOM

On this date each year, the Catholic Church honors Aloysius Gonzaga.  He is a saint in the Church's eyes.  Aloysius, born to wealthy parents, gave up his inheritance and became a Jesuit priest in 1587 at the age of 19.

When a plague broke out in Rome, the Jesuits opened a hospital for the afflicted and Aloysius volunteered to work there.  He begged for alms and carried the sick he found in the city to the hospital and cared for them there.

Several of the young priests at the hospital became ill and were sent away to recuperate.  Aloysius became ill but refused to leave.  He continued to tend to the sick until he no longer could.  He died of the plague on this date at the age of 23.

His short life was dedicated to others.  He is the patron saint of youth.

A Catholic prayer to live as a Child of God.

Father in Heaven,
When the Spirit came down upon Jesus
at His Baptism in the Jordan,
You revealed Him as Your own Beloved Son.
Keep me, Your child,
born of water and the Spirit,
faithful to my calling.
My I, who share in Your Life,
as Your child through Baptism,
follow in Christ's path of service to people.
Let me become one in His sacrifice
and hear His word with Faith.
May I live as Your child,
following the example of Jesus.
Amen!

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