a year of prayer: 365 Rosaries

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of repentance, penance, and conversion. We are reminded of the powerful sacrifice Jesus made for each of us, through the mercy of our Heavenly Father. Lent calls us to seek out that gracious mercy from the Lord, sincerely repenting and praying for forgiveness. Below, an excerpt from a homily by early Church father, Saint Clement of Rome, entitled “Repentance: An Opportunity for God’s Mercy.”



Let us fix our attention on the blood of Christ and recognize how precious it is to God his Father, since it was shed for our salvation and brought the grace of repentance to all the world.


If we review the various ages of history, we will see that in every generation the Lord has offered the opportunity of repentance to any who were willing to turn to him. When Noah preached God’s message of repentance, all who listened to him were saved. Jonah told the Ninevites they were going to be destroyed, but when they repented, their prayers gained God’s forgiveness for their sins, and they were saved, even though they were not of God’s people.


Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ministers of God’s grace have spoken of repentance; indeed, the Master of the whole universe himself spoke of repentance with an oath: As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the death of the sinner but his repentance. He added this evidence of his goodness: House of Israel, repent of your wickedness. Tell the sons of my people: If their sins should reach from earth to heaven, if they are brighter than scarlet and blacker than sackcloth, you need only turn to me with your whole heart and say, “Father”, and I will listen to you as a holy people.


In other words, God wanted all his beloved ones to have the opportunity to repent and he confirmed this desire by his own almighty will. That is why we should obey his sovereign and glorious will and prayerfully entreat his mercy and kindness. We should be suppliant before him and turn to his compassion, rejecting empty works and quarrelling and jealousy which only lead to death.


Brothers, we should be humble in mind, putting aside all arrogance, pride and foolish anger. Rather, we should act in accordance with the Scriptures, as the Holy Spirit says: The wise man must not glory in his wisdom nor the strong man in his strength nor the rich man in his riches. Rather, let him who glories glory in the Lord by seeking him and doing what is right and just. Recall especially what the Lord Jesus said when he taught gentleness and forbearance. Be merciful, he said, so that you may have mercy shown to you. Forgive, so that you may be forgiven. As you treat others, so you will be treated. As you give, so you will receive. As you judge, so you will be judged. As you are kind to others, so you will be treated kindly. The measure of your giving will be the measure of your receiving.


Let these commandments and precepts strengthen us to live in humble obedience to his sacred words. As Scripture asks: Whom shall I look upon with favour except the humble, peaceful man who trembles at my words?


Sharing then in the heritage of so many vast and glorious achievements, let us hasten toward the goal of peace, set before us from the beginning. Let us keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Father and Creator of the whole universe, and hold fast to his splendid and transcendent gifts of peace and all his blessings.

"I weep because Love is not loved!"


Today, December 22, we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306), Franciscan friar, poet and dramatist, and author of the Stabat Mater. Blessed Jacopone arrived at his spirituality later in life, reminding us that the Lord has a plan for each of us, and that it is never too late to repent and truly convert. Today’s holy man’s focus on love as that which underscores our every action—our every breath—even our every suffering—calls us to a quiet and contemplative place as we await our greatest joy, our greatest love—the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior.

Jacomo, or James, was born into a noble Italian family in the city of Todi. Possessing a keen mind, he studied law in Bologna, became a successful lawyer, and married a pious and generous woman. Unknown to Jacomo, his young wife took it upon herself to enact harsh penances for his sins, excesses, and worldly manner of living. She wore a rough girdle of coarse hair beneath her clothing to mortify her flesh, in atonement for his sins. It was not until her premature death, caused by an accident, that Jacomo realized the errors of his ways. He was forty years old, and undertook to radically convert his life.

Without hesitation, Jacomo liquidated his worldly possessions, dividing them amongst the poor. He entered the Third Order of the Franciscans, a secular order, and sought to live a life worthy of the Lord. His acquaintances, however, were none too kind to him. As he had given away his wealth, Jacomo dressed in penitential rags, and was mercilessly mocked by those he had considered friends. They called him “Jacopone,” which literally translated means, “Crazy Jim.” Over time, throughout ten years of humiliation, Jacopone maintained his penitential practices. He eventually grew to love the nickname, as a reminder of his former life, and his newfound humility.

After ten years, he petitioned to become a member of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor (the First Order). He was, however, denied due to his reputation. Rather than give up, Jacopone composed the first of many beautiful poems, this one focusing on the vanities of the world. Following their reading of his work, the hearts of the Order were changed, and he was admitted at the age of 48. Not considering himself worthy of the priesthood, Jacopone declined ordination, instead living as a brother. He continued to embrace strict penances, and spent his days writing poems, lauds, and hymns of praise to the Lord. Jacopone was also one of the first to dramatize Biblical stories for performance.

At that time, division had grown within the Franciscan community, with two factions at opposition to each other. The first, which Jacopone joined, sought to renew the strict poverty and mysticism of Saint Francis. Opposed by Pope Boniface VIII, Jacopone was excommunicated and imprisoned following signing a covenant to have the pope deposed. Although he promptly acknowledged his error in judgment, Jacopone spent five years in prison, until released and absolved by Pope Benedict XI.

Never one to complain, Jacopone had accepted his imprisonment as a penance for his wrongdoing. He embraced Franciscan spiritual mysticism, writing poetry and praying all day, every day. More often than not he could be found weeping due to the lack of regard for the Love of the Lord in the world. During his imprisonment, he also wrote the Latin hymn, Stabat Mater, joining the love and suffering of Our Blessed Mother beneath the Cross.

His years in prison had taken their toll, and Blessed Jacopone died only three years following his release. His body is buried in the crypt of Saint Fortunate Church in Todi, Italy. Upon his tomb, it is written: “Here lie the bones of Blessed Jacopone dei Benedetti da Todi, Friar Minor, who, having gone mad with love of Christ, by a new artifice deceived the world and took Heaven by violence.”

When we think of saints and blessed, we don’t necessarily think of someone like Blessed Jacopone… but maybe we should. He did not live a blameless life. In fact, the first 40 years of his life were filled with transgressions and worldly passions—like most of our own lives. Even following his commitment to the Lord, Jacopone still found himself caught up in scandal and landed in prison. Throughout this ordeal, he turned to God, deepening his faith, finding love in suffering, and leaving a poetic legacy to inspire countless faithful. We are reminded that the Lord does not expect us to be perfect, nor does He expect us to never make mistakes. It is what we do after our mistakes--in penance and repentance—in love—that matters.



Year 2: Day 356 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Lives of pure, true Love.
Requested Intentions: Healing (M); Safety, security, and sanctity for a family (A); Healing (N); Successful relationship (N); Healing of a friend; growth in the Lord (M); To hear and answer the Lord’s call (M); Healing of a friend undergoing chemotherapy (L); For the peace, safety, and holiness of a sister (J); Financial security (C); Conversion of a newly married couple (M); Peace in a family (S); Peaceful repose of departed mother (J); Blessings on a relationship (J); Financial security, successful employment (J); Obedience to God’s will (A); Conversion of souls (A); Success of business venture; faith of daughter (S); Safe return home (J); Recovery of mother and son; repose of the souls of the dearly departed (A); Blessings upon a relationship (M); Sobriety and recovery for a son (M); Employment and successful marriage (A); Employment, healing, freedom from anxiety (T); Financial security (C); Conversion (T); Peace in difficult times at work (E); Financial security and blessings for mother and children (T); Financial security for a mother (M); Health, finances, successful marriage (A); Successful resolution of court case for son (K); Continued sobriety (N); Healing of a chronic health condition (B); Successful employment (A): Peace in a family, recovery of a niece from substance use (L); Blessings on a marriage, healing of a husband (P); For the health and recovery of sisters (B); For a daughter and granddaughter (D); Blessings on overseas employment (M); Healing of mother (L).

Today, October 8, we celebrate the feast day of two Saint Pelagias: Pelagia the Virgin Martyr of Antioch and Pelagia the Penitent. Over the years, the lives of these Pelagias have become entwined and confused by oral tradition. There were at least two Pelagias, both from Antioch, Syria. Today, we take lessons from both their lives.


The first Pelagia was a young virgin martyr in the fourth century. Committed to maintaining her virginity for Christ, Saint Pelagia was prepared for the Diocletian persecution when it reached Antioch. At fifteen years of age, soldiers came in search of her, in order to force her to publicly offer a sacrifice to the pagan gods. She was alone in the house, and unable to defend herself. She politely asked the soldiers what was to become of her, and upon hearing that she was sentenced to execution, begged permission to return inside her home to put on more modest clothing. Overcome by her resolute courage, the solders allowed her the privilege.

Knowing what lie ahead of her, including her defilement at the hands of the soldiers, the holy virgin was not willing to expose herself to danger of being dishonored. Instead, she therefore went up to the roof of the house and threw herself into the sea. Thus she died, as Saint John Chrysostom says, a virgin and a martyr, and was honored as such by the Church of Antioch. Of Pelagia, the Virgin Martyr, Saint John Chrysostom delivered the following sermon:

"Even women now poke fun at death and girls mock passing away and quite young, unmarried virgins skip into the very stings of Hades and suffer no ill effects. All of these blessings we experience because of Christ, born of a virgin. For after those blessed contraction pains and utterly awe-inspiring birth the sinews of death were unstrung, the devil's power was disabled and from then on became contemptible to not just men but also women, and not just women, but also girls....


"It's for this reason that blessed Pelagia too ran to meet death with such great delight that she didn't wait for the executioners' hands nor did she go to court, but escaped their cruelty through the excess of her own enthusiasm. For while she was prepared for tortures and punishments and every kind of penalty, even so she was afraid that she would destroy the crown of her virginity. Indeed, that you might learn that she was afraid of the sexual predation of the unholy men, she got in first and snatched herself away in advance from the shameful violence. None of the [Christian] men ever attempted any such act at all. Instead they all filed into court and displayed their courage there. Yet women, by nature vulnerable to harm, conceived for themselves this manner of death. My point is that, were it possible both to preserve one's virginity and attain martyrdom's crown, she wouldn't have refused to go to court. But since it was utterly inevitable that one of the two would be lost, she thought it a sign of extreme stupidity, when it was possible for her to attain each victory, to depart half crowned. For this reason she wasn't willing to go to court or to become a spectacle for lecherous eyes, or to give opportunity for predatory eyes to revel in the sight of her own appearance and crudely insult that holy body. Instead she went from her chamber and the women's quarters to a second chamber - heaven....


"Don't simply pass over what happened, but consider how it's likely that she was raised as a gentle girl, knowing nothing beyond her chamber, while soldiers were posted against her en masse, standing in front of the door, summoning her to court, dragging her into the marketplace on weighty sorts of grounds. There was no father inside, no mother present, no nurse, no female attendant, no neighbor, no female friend. Instead, she was left alone in the midst of those executioners. I mean, how isn't it right that we be astonished and amazed that she had the strength to come out and answer those executioner soldiers, to open her mouth and utter a sound, just to look, stand, and breathe? Those actions weren't attributable to human nature. For God's influence introduced the majority. Most assuredly, at the time she didn't just idly stand around, but displayed all her personal qualities - her enthusiasm, her resolve, her nobility, her willingness, her purpose, her eagerness, her bustling energy. But it was as a result of God's help and heavenly good goodwill that all these qualities reached maturity....


"In addition to what's been said, I marvel as well at how the soldiers granted her the favor, how the woman deceived the men, how they didn't work out the deception. After all, one can't say that no one effected anything of the sort. For many women, it seems, gave themselves up to a cliff or hurled themselves into the sea or drove a sword through their breast or fastened a noose. That time was full of numerous dramas of that kind. But God blinded the soldier's hearts so that they wouldn't openly see the deception. That's why she flew up out of the middle of their nets....







At the height of her popularity, she and some friends were passing by the Basilica of Saint Julian in Antioch where Bishop Nonnus was preaching. Pelagia was reclining in a litter and was provocatively dressed; her head and shoulders were uncovered at a time when women were to be veiled in public. The group of bishops who were gathered outside were shocked by the sight of her and turned away, except for Bishop Nonnus who looked at her for a long time. Bishop Nonnus then turned to the other bishops and asked, "Did not the sight of her great beauty delight you?"

When Bishop Nonnus spoke in the basilica the next day, Pelagia was there. The people were surprised to see her because she was not a catechumen. Apparently the bishop's words had stirred Pelagia to reconsider how she was living her life. She met with the bishop soon after and asked to be baptized, saying: "Holy father, be merciful to me, a sinner; baptize me, and teach me repentance. I am a sea of iniquity, an abyss of destruction, a net and weapon of the devil." Upon questioning, Pelagia explained that her father and mother named her Pelagia, but that the people of Antioch called her Margarita, (which means pearl) for she was the “devil's jewel.”

Bishop Nonnus found a woman to act as her godmother and then exorcised and baptized her. A few days later Pelagia arranged to give all her wealth and possessions to the bishop. He handed all the wealth over to the treasurer of the church in Antioch, telling him to use it for widows and orphans, not for the church, because it was tainted money.

Soon after Pelagia's conversion and baptism she left Antioch, never to return. She withdrew to a cave in Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives where she dressed in men's clothing and lived an austere life as a hermit, praying, fasting, and engaging in penance for her earlier sins. She became known as Pelagius, "the beardless monk.” Bishop Nonnus kept in touch with Pelagia, sending emissaries to bring “Brother Pelagius” messages of encouragement from time to time. One such emissary, James the Deacon, found her dead during one visit. It was not until the anointing of her body that they discovered that she was a woman. By repentance and striving, the former sinner received the mercy of God, the forgiveness of her sins and sanctification, and her purified and sanctified soul was made worthy of the Kingdom of God.

The lives of the two Saint Pelagias remind us of the different paths our own lives can take. Few of us are sin-free, engaging in “extreme” measures to avoid defilement like Saint Pelagia the virgin martyr. It is far more likely that we are better able to identify with Saint Pelagia the Penitent, living sinful lives, but called to the repent by the Lord. Both women—from very different backgrounds—found their salvation in the Gospel, and washed clean, joined their Creator in Heaven. We are inspired to true conversion, full repentance, and lives of sanctity by their stories.




Year 2: Day 281 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Lives of true conversion and repentance.

Today, August 5, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Afra (died 304), Martyr of the Church. Saint Afra worked as a prostitute, but kindly hid her local bishop during the persecution of Christians. From his influence, she converted to the faith, dedicated herself to acts of charity, and was eventually persecuted and executed for her beliefs. The life of Saint Afra reminds us that true conversion and repentance for past sins is always possible, and that Our Loving Father calls us to Him regardless of the sins we have committed in the past!


Afra was originally a courtesan in the German town of Augsburg, having grown up in Cyprus, and moved to that area. Upon moving to Ausburg, it is likely that Afra worked in a brothel, possibly close to the pagan Temple of Venus. At the onset of the persecution of Christians under the orders of Emperor Diocletian, Afra and her mother, Hilaria, hid the local bishop from harm. The holy man, Bishop Narcissus of Girona, did not know the profession of Afra and her mother, and through his witness, converted them to the faith. Afra and her mother, as well as her servants, were baptized, and began spending their time in charitable acts to the poor and suffering around them.

Despite the threat of death and persecution, Afra continued to hide the holy bishop until she herself was arrested and brought before the authorities. The judge, Gaius, knew of Afra and her profession, and ordered her to sacrifice to the pagan gods or be condemned to death.

Afra declared: “I was a great sinner before I knew God; but I will not add new crimes, nor do what you command me. My capitol is Jesus Christ, whom I have always before my eyes. I every day confess my sins; and, because I am unworthy to offer him any sacrifice, I desire to sacrifice myself for his name, that this body in which I have sinned may be purified and sacrificed to him by torments.”

Gaius persisted, referencing her former profession, and urging her to recant her faith. “I am informed,” he said, “that you are a prostitute. Sacrifice, therefore, as you are a stranger to the God of the Christians, and cannot be accepted by him.”

But Afra replied, “Our Lord Jesus Christ hath said, that he came down from heaven to save sinners. The gospels testify that an abandoned woman washed his feet with her tears, and obtained pardon, and that he never rejected the publicans, but permitted them to eat with him.”

Gaius said, “Jesus Christ will have nothing to do with you. It is in vain for you to acknowledge him for your God: a common prostitute can never he called a Christian.”

Afra replied, “It is true, I am unworthy to bear the name of a Christian; but Christ hath admitted me to be one.”

Growing frustrated, the judge ordered her again: “Sacrifice to the gods, and they will save you.”

The martyr replied: “My Savior is Jesus Christ, who upon the cross promised paradise to the thief who confessed him. The only subject of my confusion and grief are my sins.”

Having run out of patience, Gaius declared, “I am ashamed that I have disputed so long with you. If you do not comply, you shall die.”

Afra replied: “That is what I desire, if I am not unworthy to find rest by this confession. Let that body which hath sinned undergo torments; but as to my soul, I will not taint it by sacrificing to demons.”

Throwing up his hands, Gaius sentenced Afra to death. “We condemn Afra, a prostitute who hath declared herself a Christian, to be burnt alive, because she hath refused to offer sacrifice to the gods.”


Afra was immediately seized, stripped of her clothing, tied to a stake, and set ablaze. While she burned, she lifter her eyes to heaven and prayed: “O Lord Jesus Christ, Omnipotent God, who camest to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance, accept now the penance of my sufferings, and by this temporal fire deliver me from the everlasting fire, which torments both body and soul. I return thee thanks, O Lord Jesus Christ, for the honor thou hast done me in receiving me a holocaust for thy name’s sake; thou who hast vouchsafed to offer thyself upon the altar of the cross a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, the just for the unjust, and for sinners. I offer myself a victim to thee, O my God, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost world without end. Amen.”

Having prayed and handed her life over to her creator, Saint Afra died. Her mother and her servants rescued her body and interred her relics in a selpuchre. In the process of this act they were caught, and refusing to sacrifice to the pagan gods, were likely executed.

Inspired by Saint Afra, today we pray for the conversion of sinners throughout the world, and for our own personal conversion and repentance. Holy Saint Afra, pray for us!

Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful Savior of the world, we humbly beseech You, by Your most Sacred Heart, that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold may in one days be converted to You, the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Amen.



Year 2: Day 217 of 365
Prayer Intentions: True conversion and repentance.
Requested Intentions: For a family’s intentions (T); Successful examination results (B); Healing of a friend with cancer, for all those who help others (B); Healing and love (L); Grace and healing (V); Healing of a heart, consecration of a marriage (M); Health of a family, intentions of apostolate (H); For repentance (J); For a family in trouble (R); Healing, successful relationships for son, financial success (J); Success of a company (L); For a religious society (J); Healing of a husband, strength as a faithful caregiver (D); Healing of a son (T); Financial security, Healing and guidance (M); Healing of a heart and relationship (V); Employment for daughter (J); For a marriage that glorifies the Lord (K); Resolution of family situation, parents’ health (A); Positive results (C); For a son’s employment, faith, and relationships (S); Restored family relationships (A); Healthy conception and delivery of children (J); For a girlfriend’s recovery from a debilitating mental illness (J); For a daughter’s successful examination results (A); Occupational success, health and safety of family (S).

Today, on the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, we might turn to him in Litany, asking his intercession, and reflecting upon the important role he played in the formation of Christ’s Church on earth. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!



Lord, have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, Pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, Pray for us.

St. John the Baptist, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, precursor of Christ, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, glorious forerunner of the Son of Justice, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, minister of Baptism to Jesus, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, burning and shining lamp of the world, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, angel of purity before thy birth, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, special friend and favorite of Christ, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, heavenly contemplative, whose element was prayer, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, intrepid preacher of truth, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, voice crying in the wilderness, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, miracle of mortification and penance, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, example of profound humility, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, glorious martyr of zeal for God's holy law, Pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, gloriously fulfilling thy mission, Pray for us.


Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.


Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

Pray for us, O glorious St. John the Baptist,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.


O God, Who hast honored this world by the birth of Saint John the Baptist, grant that Thy faithful people may rejoice in the way of eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Today, June 21, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (also known as Luigi de Gonzaga, 1568-1591), patron saint of Catholic youth, charity workers, and AIDS caregivers and victims. Saint Aloysius demonstrated, through his brief life, a deep commitment to charitable service to the poor and ill—a service which eventually led to his premature death at age 23. Bed-ridden for part of his life due to kidney disease, Saint Aloysius never complained, instead rejoicing in the “extra time” his illness allowed him to spend in prayer. His selfless works reminds us today of all those in need of assistance, and our call to reach out to those in our communities who suffer.

Aloysius was born into a powerful and wealthy Italian family, in Lombary. His father, the Marquis of Castiglione, looked to his elder son to carry on the family legacy of political power and military excellence. As a child, Aloysius was dressed in a tiny suit of armor—hand-crafted at the request of the Marquis—and taken to review the troops under his father’s command.

Whereas his father was committed to Aloysius’ attainment of earthly status and power, his mother was quietly devout and pious, committing him to the Blessed Virgin during a difficult childbirth. Aloysius’ mother was meticulous in teaching Aloysius bis prayers and bis Faith. From Aloysius' infancy to his adulthood she always referred to him as her "little angel." He fit the title perfectly, for even as a baby he was seldom known to fuss and cry or show any signs of ill temper. All who met or cared for him remarked on his sweet disposition. The first words he spoke was that of the Holy Name of Jesus, and from a young age, he developed a deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother, eventually penning a praying of self-commendation to her care:

O Holy Mary, my Lady, into your blessed trust and safe keeping and into the depths of your mercy, I commend my soul and body this day, every day of my life, and at the hour of my death. To you I entrust all my hopes and consolations, all my trials and miseries, my life and the end of my life. By your most holy intercession and by your merits, may all my actions be directed and disposed according to your will and the Will of your divine Son. Amen.

By age seven, Aloysius had realized that politics and military exploits were not his calling, but in deference to his father, permitted himself to be sent to the court of the Grand Duke Francesco de Medici of Tuscany, where the two were to gain the polish and training needed to succeed in court. However, rather than engaging in the activities of the court, Aloysius secluded himself in his room, spending greater and greater amounts of time in prayer and reflection. At age ten, he committed himself completely to the Lord, vowing to remain a virgin, and to avoid all earthly sins.

As Aloysius' holiness grew, he became a source of terror for evil. On one occasion, a Franciscan who was known for his miracles and ability to cast out demons was visiting a church in a village not far from where Aloysius was sataying. The people flocked to see him, among them Aloysius and his brother, begging for prayers and miracles. While in the church, one of the possessed persons, on seeing Aloysius, pointed toward him and, in a fit of torturous rage, exclaimed in a demonic voice, "Do you see him? He will be in Heaven one day and great in glory!" Those around him began to recognize the faith and piety growing within him, unlike that of a boy his age.

Relocated again by his father, due to his failure to learn the ways of the court, Aloysius spent the next two years of his life in Mantua, where he lived with relatives. To Aloysius’ delight, the house in which he stayed contained a fine private chapel, where he spent time reading the lives of the saints and meditating on the Psalms. So great was his sorrow during bis prayers that the spot where he would kneel was soaked with the torrent of tears that flowed from his eyes. Here, at the young age of twelve, he felt first called to the priesthood. He further began a rigorous life of self-denial and mortification, fasting and depriving himself of all worldly things he desired. While remaining exceptionally polite, he never again looked a woman in the face, due to fear that he may be tempted to renounce his pledge of perpetual sinlessness. He further began to subject his body to torment, engaging in self-flagellation in reparation for his sins.

His father, greatly displeased with his son’s progress, brought him home where he continued his pious studies. It was there that he made his First Holy Communion, further deepening his intimate relationship with the Lord through the Blessed Sacrament. He received Holy Communion as often as he could, and spent hours each day praying the Holy Rosary. His virtues grew, and he became known by others as a humble, kind, and faith-filled young man. He forewent the fine attire of a noble, instead dressing in simple clothes. He dismissed his servants, preferring to do his own chores in humility.

In 1581, still intent on passing on his title of Aloysius, the marquis decided that the family would travel with Maria of Austria, of the Spanish royal house, on her return to Spain. Aloysius became a page attending the Spanish heir apparent and was also made a Knight of the Order of Saint James while living in Madrid. He also found a Jesuit confessor, and resolved to become a Jesuit. Prior to acceptance, however, he needed his father’s permission, which didn’t come easily. After threatening to have him flogged, the marquis and his young son engaged in a 3 year long battle of wills, which eventually Aloysius won.

Aloysius, full of love for his father, and full of the Grace of God, said to him, "I am in your power, father, and you can do with me what you please. But know this, that God calls me to the Society of Jesus, and you're resisting His Will by opposing my vocation." His father’s only reaction was to turn to the wall and burst into tears. After a few days of his sorrow he called for his son saying, "My son, what a cruel wound you have inflicted on my heart! I have always loved and still love you, because you deserve my love and I had set all my hopes on you. And now you tell me that God calls you elsewhere, I will not keep you back any longer; go where you will, and may God grant you happiness!"


Following receipt of his father’s permission to become a Jesuit at age 17, Aloysius renounced his considerable inheritance and left for Rome. He carried a letter from his father to the Jesuit superior general, which read, “I merely say that I am giving into your Reverence’s hands the most precious thing I possess in all the world.”

Aloysius, who had been practicing strict religious observances since youth, found the Jesuit noviaiate disarmingly easy, and much less rigorous than those restrictions he had undertaken at home. His superiors encouraged him to eat more regularly, pray less, relax more, and reduce his penances. Obediently, Aloysius accepted these curbs. In 1587, at that age of 19, Aloysius pronounced vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and the next year he received minor orders and began theology studies. He was certain of his need for continous penance, asserting that without mortification, he would revert to a sinful state. Aloysius is remembered for saying, “I am a crooked piece of iron, and have come into religion to be made straight by the hammer of mortification and penance.”

Following his studies, Aloysius found himself in the midst of the plague which struck Rome in 1591. Committed to serving those in need, Aloysius carried the dying from the streets of Rome to the Jesuit hospital, washing and feeding them, and preparing them to receive the sacraments. He sat with the ill, reading to them, guiding their devotions, and bringing them to the heart of Christ. While he worked tirelessly and without a sign of complaint, he privately confessed to his confessor that he fought every moment not to express his repulsion at the sights and sounds of the grueling work. Nevertheless, he carried on diligently, offering kindness, dignity, and love to those that society had forgotten about.

As more and more succumbed to the disease—including many young Jesuits—Aloysius was forbidden to continue his work with the ill. Accustomed to his requests being refused, Aloysius asked permission to return to the hospital, and was eventually allowed to again care for the sick. The hospital he was reassigned to did not allow patients with contagious diseases, and therefore his superiors considered their eager charge quite safe. While there, came a man so diseased that no one would go near him. Aloysius immediately thought to himself: “here is Jesus.” Aloysius lifted the man out of his sick bed, tended to him, and brought him back to his bed. The man, despite the prohibition at the hospital, was infected with the plague, and Aloysius became quickly ill and bedridden himself.

Like most, Aloysius quickly succumbed to the disease. In the weeks of his infirmity, he still rose every night to pray before a crucifix, until forbidden by his superiors. His body became so covered with sores that he was in constant pain, but never once complained, only likening his pain to that of Jesus. On June 21, as he sensed his death was imminent, his Jesuit brothers brought him Communion. He cried out, “I am going, gladly,” and with his eyes fixed on a crucifix, Aloysius proclaimed, “Father, into your hands I command my spirit.” He then struggled to pronounce the name of Jesus repeatedly until he died at the young age of 23.

Saint Aloysius was buried in the Church of the Annunciation, belonging to the Jesuits of the Roman college. Soon after his death, a well-adorned chapel was built in that church under his name, by the Marquis Scipio Lancelotti, and his relics were translated into it. Since that time, numerous miracles have been reported through his intercession.

Prior to his death, Saint Aloysius sent his mother a letter, detailing his devotion and faith. His words convey the purity, obedience, humility, and love of this holy man, who through selfless service, helped so many:

"May the comfort and grace of the Holy Spirit be yours for ever, most honored lady. Your letter found me lingering still in this region of the dead, but now I must rouse myself to make my way on to heaven at last and to praise God for ever in the land of the living; indeed I had hoped that before this time my journey there would have been over. If charity, as Saint Paul says, means to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who are glad, then, dearest mother, you shall rejoice exceedingly that God in his grace and his love for you is showing me the path to true happiness, and assuring me that I shall never lose him.


The divine goodness, most honored lady, is a fathomless and shoreless ocean, and I confess that when I plunge my mind into thought of this it is carried away by the immensity and feels quite lost and bewildered there. In return for my short and feeble labours, God is calling me to eternal rest; his voice from heaven invites me to the infinite bliss I have sought so languidly, and promises me this reward for the tears I have so seldom shed.



Saint Aloysius found Christ everywhere, especially in the ill, the helpless, the forgotten, and the dying. Despite his physical repulsion, he ministered to those in need, offering them love and dignity in their last moments. Pure throughout his life, Saint Aloysius offers us a model of selflessness and charitable love—virtues we are all called to live out each day in our own communities. How easy it would have been for Aloysius to turn from God, embrace his noble privileged life, and life with wealth and power. Instead, he forsake all he had, turning to face the Lord, bathed in His grace, and became an instrument of good in the world. How often can we say the same for ourselves?



Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.