BERNARDO MARIA di Gesù. — Passionist, in the world Cesare Silvestrelli, born in Rome on 7 November 1831, died at Moricone, in Sabina, on 9 December 1911. He entered the Congregation in 1854 and, during his novitiate, was a companion of St. Gabriele dell'Addolorata. Elected superior general, he governed for twenty-five years, working especially for the restoration of the retreats in Europe and America. He practised mortification in an exemplary manner and was an ideal type of superior. Having resigned the high office, he was granted the exceptional title of general «ad honorem». He spent the last months of his life at the retreat of Moricone.
BIBL.: Serafino dell'Addolorata, C. S. p. B. M. di G. passionista, Isola del Liri 1941. Nello Vian