St. Aloysius Gonzaga Coloring Page
This St. Aloysius Gonzaga coloring page shows the young Jesuit in a black cassock and white surplice, holding a crucifix and a lily, with the prince's crown he gave up at his feet. The PDF is free to print. He gave up a prince's life and cared for plague victims in Rome.
The story of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Aloysius was born more than 450 years ago in a castle in Italy. His father was a prince, and Aloysius was his oldest son. That meant that one day Aloysius would rule the family's lands. When he was only eight, he was sent to live at the court of a great duke in Florence.
But Aloysius had a different dream. He loved to pray, and he wanted to give his whole life to God. When he was twelve, a holy archbishop, St. Charles Borromeo, gave him his First Holy Communion. As he grew older, Aloysius decided to become a Jesuit priest.
His father was very upset. For years he said no. But Aloysius kept asking, and at last his father agreed. Aloysius gave his title as prince to his younger brother, and he went to Rome to join the Jesuits. He was so happy to leave his fancy life behind!
When Aloysius was studying in Rome, a terrible sickness called the plague spread through the city. Many people were dying in the streets. Aloysius was not strong, but he offered to help. The Jesuits opened a hospital, and Aloysius went out to care for sick people who had no one to help them. Then he caught the sickness himself. He died on June 21, 1591, holding a crucifix and saying the name of Jesus. He was only 23.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of young people and of students.
What to color
- Aloysius's cassock: black, the clothes of a Jesuit.
- His surplice: white, worn over the cassock for prayer.
- The lily: white, for his pure heart.
- The crucifix: brown wood or gold. Aloysius loved to think about how much Jesus loves us.
- The crown and cushion: a gold crown with jewels on a red or purple cushion, the prince's life he gave up.
- The rosary and book: any colors you like, for his prayer and study.
- The rooftops of Rome: orange and tan, with a blue sky.
A prayer to pray together
Children can pray this before school or a test:
St. Aloysius, pray for us. Help me to study hard, to be kind, and to love Jesus with my whole heart.
Our page of prayers before an exam has more.
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page on June 21, St. Aloysius Gonzaga's feast.
- Make a "get well" card for someone who is sick, as Aloysius cared for the sick.
- Draw your own crown, then write on it one thing you could give up for Jesus this week.
- Talk about it: Aloysius chose God over being a prince. What makes someone truly great?
Read the full story: St. Aloysius Gonzaga in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Aloysius Gonzaga?
Color his cassock black and leave his surplice white. The lily is white with a green stem, the crucifix brown or gold, the crown gold with jewels, and the cushion red or purple.
Why is St. Aloysius's crown on the floor?
Aloysius was the oldest son of a prince and would have ruled his family's lands. He gave up that title to his brother so he could become a Jesuit. The crown on the floor shows what he left behind for God.
Why is St. Aloysius the patron of students?
He was a young Jesuit student in Rome when he died, at only 23. Students and young people have asked his prayers for centuries.
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.