Born in 16th-century Italy, Aloysius spent much time in prayer from a young age.  He joined the Jesuits at age 18 and served in a Milan hospital during the plague of 1587.  He eventually contracted the plague and died at the age of 23, receiving his final sacraments from St. Robert Bellarmine.  

We have nothing to fear when we give our youth to the Lord!  He desires for us to have life and life in abundance (John 10:10). Even in sickness and in the face of death, we can face these trials bravely, like St. Gonzaga did, knowing that Christ is by our side!