GABRIELE dell'ADDOLORATA, saint. — A Passionist, in the world Francesco Possenti, b. at Assisi on 1 March 1838, d. at Isola del Gran Sasso (Teramo) on 27 Feb. 1862. An elegant young student at the Jesuit Lyceum in Spoleto, before the sacred image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he felt himself inwardly called to embrace the Passionist life. In Sept. 1856 he entered the novitiate at Morrovalle (Macerata), where the following year he made his religious profession. He completed his philosophical studies at the retreat house of Pievettorina (Macerata) and his theological studies at the retreat house of Isola del Gran Sasso.
Most faithful in observing the Rule, he distinguished himself by his contempt for the world, his spirit of prayer and penance, and especially by his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows. Before ascending to Holy Orders, worn out more by divine charity than by grave illness, he died at only twenty-five years of age. Numerous miracles performed by him hastened his glorification. He was beatified by Pius X in 1908 and canonized by Benedict XV in 1920. Italian Catholic Youth has declared him its co-patron. His feast is celebrated on 27 Feb.
Giacinto del S.mo Crocifisso