On Tuesday, the Diocese of Gaylord honored St. Aloysius, patron saint of Catholic youth, who showed true devotion from an early age.

“Today is the Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “Let us pray for the virtue of piety today as we reflect on the life of St. Aloysius, who committed himself to rigorous acts of devotion.”

In 1568, St. Aloysius of Gonzaga was born to a noble family, Franciscan Media said. His father wanted him to join the military and become a hero, but Aloysius followed God's calling, which he felt from a very young age. He began praying devoutly when he was 7, and within a few years he was teaching other children about faith and was fasting several days each week. He traveled to Spain with his parents when he was 13. There, he participated in the court of Philip II. Court life made Aloysius even more disillusioned, and he sought comfort in reading and learning about the lives of saints. 

At the age of 9, he took a vow to remain a virgin, Catholic.org said. In his commitment to maintain that pledge, he would keep his gaze downcast in the presence of women. When his family moved back to Italy after their time in Spain, Aloysius resumed teaching the catechism to the poor. At the age of 18, he became a Jesuit. 

Aloysius gave up his inheritance and social status when he joined the Jesuits, Britannica said. When the plague broke out in Rome, Aloysius volunteered to care for the sick at a Jesuit hospital. He contracted the plague and died when he was 23. 

Aloysius was canonized in 1726, and his feast day is celebrated on June 21.