24 and Under

As we celebrate the feast of St. Aloysius today, I am reminded that he belongs to the 24 and Under Club — those Saints who died at the age of 24 or younger. There are actually quite a few in this amazing group, including Dominic Savio, Elizabeth of Hungary, Kateri Tekakwitha, Therese of Lisieux, Aloysius and Maria Goretti.

What makes them so special?  I marvel at what God was able to do in and through them in a few short years.  It’s utterly amazing to me the number of lives they’ve touched and the influence they’ve had as a result of their openness to God’s action in their lives. It gives me reason to reflect on what I’ve allowed God to do in my 56 years of life.

These Saints are representative of the tremendous gift which young people are for us.  Let no one underestimate the power and influence of our young Church!