St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was a Passionist cleric known for his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and for embracing joyful sacrifice in his short but holy life.

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was born as Francesco Possenti in Assisi, Italy, on March 1, 1838. He was the eleventh of thirteen children in a devout and prominent Catholic family. Though he grew up in a household of faith, Francesco lived a fairly normal and even worldly life in his youth. He was charming, well-liked, and known for his elegance, wit, and love for the arts and social gatherings.

However, after surviving a serious illness and being deeply moved during a Marian procession, he felt called to religious life. Despite initial resistance from his family, he joined the Passionist Congregation at age 18 and took the name "Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows." His devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially in her sufferings, became the core of his spiritual life.

As a Passionist student preparing for the priesthood, Gabriel fully embraced the charism of the congregation: the Passion of Christ and devotion to the Sorrowful Mother. His life in the monastery was marked by humility, obedience, cheerfulness, and deep inner piety. Though he was never ordained due to his untimely death from tuberculosis at the age of 23, his life was a profound witness to joyful suffering and dedication to Christ through Mary.

Many miracles were reported at his intercession after his death, particularly among young people. Pope Benedict XV canonized him in 1920, and he became a patron of youth, students, and seminarians.

Feast Day

27-2-

Birth Date

1-3-1838

Died Date

27-2-1862

Canonised Date

13-5-1920

Sanctuary of St. Gabriel, Isola del Gran Sasso, Teramo, Italy

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, teach us to love Christ through the heart of Mary and to find joy in offering all to God. Pray for us. Amen.
ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

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ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
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