Today is the feastday of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Jesuit. He is a patron saint of youth.

Youth on fire for the Truth are beacons of hope for the world. They keep it going and will get it blazing. In Lourdes I saw other youth worshipping God and devoted to the Blessed Virgin…the zeal was real thick. I was spiritually charged. Youth in their gift of sincere humility are not afraid to stand up for–and serve– Christ and his Church. Joyful hope radiates.

Herein lies the reason why the devil goes after them so much. Young people are so often endangered and threatened by abuse, pornography, brutal violence, drugs and fornication. Satan evidently hates innocence and humility. It defeats him. The youth are a threat to the devil!

Pope John Paul II (the Great) was powerfully inspired by the Holy Spirit in creating World Youth Day to empower and strengthen youth for their mission.

St. Aloysius is an example to youth. He accomplished his mission, his life, as a young person. More about him here.

Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. – St. Paul to Bishop Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12)