SAINT GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Feast Day - February 27

Lived (March 1, 1838 – February 27, 1862)

Patron Saint of Students, Youths, Clerics, Seminarians and Abruzzi

Born in Italy into a professional family and was baptized Francis. His mother died when he was four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured of serious illnesses twice, he came to believe that God was calling him to the religious life.

Francis wanted to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, still under 17. When his sister died of cholera, his zeal to enter religious life became stronger and he was accepted by the Passionists. Upon entering the novitiate he was given the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Gabriel was popular and cheerful, his effort to be faithful in little things was superb. His spirit of prayer, love for the poor, consideration of the feelings of others, exact observance of the Passionist Rule as well as his bodily penances—always subject to the will of his wise superiors— made a deep impression on everyone.

His superiors had great expectations of Gabriel as he prepared for the priesthood, but after only four years of religious life symptoms of tuberculosis appeared. Ever obedient, he patiently bore the painful effects of the disease and the restrictions it required, seeking no special notice. He died peacefully on February 27, 1862, at the age of 24, having been an example to both young and old.

Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was beautified by Pope Pius X in 1908 and canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.