St Gabriel of Our Lady of sorrows

     Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, was born in Assisi Italy, in 1838. He loved to dance. He loved going to the theater and loved stylish clothes. But God had other plans for him. After witnessing in his family, such as his dear sister, dying of Cholera and having experienced his own serious illnesses, he felt called to the religious life. His father objected, but Saint Gabriel overcame his objections and entered into the "Passionate Congregation", at the age of 18 years old. Born with the name Francesco Possenti, he took the name, Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, as he entered the Passionate Order.

     St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows died at the young age of 23 from Tuberculosis. He was known for his cheerful disposition, strict following to the Passionate Rule, and a deep devotion to the Sorrowful Mother. 

     St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows credits two miracles to his Sainthood. One being, the unexplained healing of a woman named Mary Mazzarella, a young woman from Isola, who recovered from an incurable case of Tuberculosis. The other being, Dominic Tiberi, who was cured of an inoperable hernia. 

     St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, is Patron Saint of Catholic youth, of students and of seminarians studying for the priesthood. 

     Yet another great Saint we have for our children and young men entering the priesthood. Let us cherish the Love God has for us for sending these great role models for all of us! 

     St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!