He liked playing with weapons and spending time with soldiers, so his father, the Marquis of Castiglione was happy to see Aloysius enter into a military career. But soon after, he was unable to get ideas of piety and prayer out of his head and his father sent him to Florence so he would become attracted to the Medici’s life of luxury.  But Aloysius did not waver from his strong call to prayer. By the age of 12, he already seemed to be a great contemplative. Serving God seemed a greater glory than possessing all the principalities on earth. He was a page of Philip II and it was here that he felt the call to join the Society of Jesus. He made much progress in his studies and in the novitiate, but before St. Aloysius Gonzaga was ordained into the priesthood, he became ill and died at the age of 23.

What obsessions do you have? What fills your heart and mind?