GABRIELE FERREITO, BLESSED – Franciscan Observant friar, born in Ancona c. 1385, died there 12 November 1456. A scion of a noble Anconetan family, he entered the Order early and distinguished himself by his virtue and austerity. He served as guardian in Ancona and as provincial minister of the Marches. At his death, St James of the Marches delivered the funeral oration. Many miracles, both in life and after death, are attributed to him. His cult, observed by countless people, was approved by Benedict XIV.
BIBL.: Wadding, Annales, ad an. 1456, nn. 206–15; A. Melchiorri, Leggenda del b. G. de’ F. d’Ancona, Ancona 1844; Martyr. Franc., 2nd ed., Rome 1938, 12 Nov.