FERRETTI, GABRIELE, blessed. – An Observant Friar Minor, born in Ancona around 1385, died there on 12 November 1456. A descendant of a noble Anconetan family, he entered the Order early, distinguishing himself by virtue and austerity. He was guardian in Ancona and provincial minister of the Marches. At his death, St. Giacomo della Marca delivered the funeral address. Many prodigies, performed during his life and after his death, are attributed to him. His cult ab immemorabili was approved by Benedict XIV.
FERRETTI, GABRIELE. - Cardinal, born in Ancona on 31 January 1795, died in Rome on 30 September 1860. In 1827 he was appointed bishop of Rieti, where, in 1831, he directed resistance against the revolutionary troops of General Sarcognani. In 1833 he was sent as apostolic nuncio to Naples, where he assisted cholera victims during the 1837 epidemic. That same year he became archbishop of Fermo and, in 1838, cardinal. He made not a few enemies due to the severe reforms he sought to introduce in his diocese.
In 1847, he was appointed by Pius IX as Secretary of State. Following the Pope’s policy, he often favored, in contrast with conservatives, the Neo-Guelphs and moderate liberals, and recalled Mamiani from exile. Having lost his popularity due to firm measures decreed in January 1848, he obtained release from his office and was assigned the legation of Ravenna. After Pius IX’s flight from Rome, he moved to Naples and then to Malta. He returned to Rome with the restoration and became Major Penitentiary in 1852, and the following year, bishop of Sabina.