St. Aloysius Gonzaga was the eldest son of the Marquis Ferdinad of Gonzaga, Duke of Montana, Prince of the holy Roman Empire. He was born in the year 1568. He was brought up piously by his mother. At the age of 10, Aloysius began to impose on himself a pitiless discipline and severe fast to conquer his quick temper and ready criticism of others. At the age of 12, he received hiss first holy communion from St. Charles Borromeo, the Archbishop of Milan.

Young Aloysius resigned his title in favour of his brother and decided to become a religious preist. But his faher vehemently opposed his son's plans. Aloysius was even sent to the court of Philip II of spain to have his mind diverted from becoming religious.

At the age of 17th with the consent of his father and total support of his devout mother Aloysius joined the order of the society of Jesus in Rome. Aloysius has developed his prayer life and was obedient to his superiors from the very beginning. This confirmity to the will of God produced in him marvellous peace of soul. He worked very hard at his studies.As a student he wrote: "I am twisted piece of iron and have entered religion in order to get straightened out.

While working hard at his studies, Aloysius found time to help those in need.A great famine broke out in Italy in the year 1590, followed by plague.Aloysius was just 22 years of age and yet he volunteered to solicit alms and nurse the sick. The following year in March 1591 Aloysius fell ill and after patiently suffering for 3 month he died in June 1591.

Aloysius was only 23 when he died. The church declared him the Special protector and Patron of Youth especially students. he was also invoked against problems of eyes and plague.His life was an exemplary one. With St. Aloysius we should be able to say: