Bloom Where You Are Planted

The Vocation of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, c.1650, by Guercino (1591–1666)

Today marks the summer solstice. It’s an appropriate moment to honor Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-91), who barely reached the summer of his life. Aloysius was born into a noble family and thereby was entitled to many great things. He chose smallness instead, preferring a life of devotion and prayer. His father planned for him to be a great soldier; but at the young age of 7, Aloysius had a profound spiritual awakening, and two years later, decided to became a Jesuit instead – even after, when at age 13 he traveled to Spain and was a page in the court of King Philip II. Aged 18, Aloysius signed away his legal claim to his family’s lands and title to his brother, and took vows to become a Jesuit novice 25 November, 1587. He later served the sick and dying during an epidemic of plague, which he also contracted and which claimed his life. Always frail in health, his dream of becoming a missionary to India was never realized. But he did what he could where he was. That’s a goal we all can reach.