Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Mt. 7:6, 12-14) “Lighten Up”
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Mt. 7:6, 12-14) “Lighten Up”
Aloysius Gonzaga was born in 1568 and only lived for 23 years. He belonged to a noble family in Castiglione. His father wanted him to have a military career and to be a success in the secular world, but Aloysius had other ideas. He wanted to be a Jesuit.
His father put extreme pressure on him to convince him to give up this idea. Aloysius would not be dissuaded, however. He did not enjoy good health, so this impacted his religious life.
Aloysius was like many young people in that he engaged in severe penances. His spiritual director was St. Robert Bellarmine who said later that Aloysius was exceedingly scrupulous. He was very afraid of falling into sin. He was also masochistic in his self-mortification. Bellarmine said others should not imitate the piety of Gonzaga.
Young people are often overly idealistic and take things to extremes. I know I could be that way. The hope is that we all will be mentored by old wiser individuals who temper our behaviors. Many times, people realize over time that they don’t have to be perfect for God to like them and in order to achieve salvation.
In Jesuit formation, young Jesuits are often asked to work in hospitals. This is done so that they might learn humility and so they might also learn empathy for others and for themselves. Aloysius was doing work as an orderly in a hospital during a plague when he got sick and died. We are left to wonder whether St. Aloysius learned in his final days that he had to love himself the same way he loved his neighbor.
The Jesuits have a maxim that seems appropriate. They believe that holiness does not come from doing extreme corporal and spiritual works. Holiness comes from engaging in moderation in all things. People who lead balanced lives are good role models for us all.
Aloysius’ life reminds us that all young people need mentors. Idealism is important and a gift, but temperance is just as essential.
Reflection Questions:
- When I was younger was I idealistic? How did this exhibit itself?
- Who tried to mentor me? Did I appreciate that at the time?
Dear Parishioners,
I am back from my retreat weak so I will be posting again. My retreat went well. I went to the new diocesan retreat house at Henry, Illinois. The name of the retreat house is Sacre Coeur. These means Sacred Heart. I thought this was providential. The theme of the retreat revolved around devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The retreat house has 70 rooms which are as good as most hotels I have stayed in and there is a beautiful chapel and dining room and other amenities. I have always enjoyed the site that the retreat house is located at. It is out in the woods, far from any town so there is a sense of getting back to nature.
Please pray for the success of this new diocesan ministry.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for our troubled world today.
Fr. Mark