Confessor born Castiglione, Italy, 1568; died Rome, Italy, 1591. The son of a princely family, he was educated at the courts of the Medici of Florence and of Philip II of Spain. Returning to Italy, he renounced his inheritance in favor of his brother, and entered the Society of Jesus, 1585. He distinguished himself in philosophy and theology, and pronounced his vows, 1587. In 1591, when famine and pestilence spread through Italy, he devoted himself to the care of the sick, was stricken, and died. Devotion to him is widespread, and the practise of receiving communion on six successive Sundays is observed in his honor. Patron of young Catholic students. Invoked against sore eyes and pestilence. Canonized, 1726. Relics in church of Saint Ignazio, Rome. Feast, Roman Calendar, June 21,.