Born in Italy into a large family and christened Francis, he faced the loss of his mother at the tender age of four. Raised by Jesuits, Francis encountered two severe illnesses early in life, which he survived, leading him to believe he was destined for a religious vocation. Despite his eagerness to join the Jesuits as a teenager, he was likely rejected due to his young age, not yet 17.

The death of his sister from cholera only strengthened his determination to pursue a life in religion, leading to his acceptance into the Passionist order. It was here he received the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. Known for his cheerful disposition and popularity, Gabriel dedicated himself to the small acts of faith that defined his spiritual journey. His commitment to prayer, compassion for the impoverished, empathy towards others, strict adherence to the Passionist Rule, and voluntary physical penances—always under the guidance of his superiors—left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

As Gabriel prepared for priesthood, his superiors saw great potential in him, but after four years in the religious life, he developed symptoms of tuberculosis. With remarkable obedience, he endured the painful symptoms and limitations of the disease without seeking special attention. Gabriel passed away quietly on February 27, 1862, at the young age of 24, remembered as a model of virtue for both the young and the old. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was canonized as a saint in 1920.

Photo credit: Miyska via Wikimedia Commons
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19 COMMENTS

  1. Oh Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, please pray for me and my family. Please intercede in mine and my families health, well being, and ask Jesus and God our Father in Heaven to grant us everlasting life and mercy.

    Amen!

  2. Dear St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrow, help me to follow your religiours life. To be faithful in little things,spirited in prayers , love for the poor, passionate and caring for others. Thank you for your priesthood and religious life in the church,Amen.

  3. St Gabriel, please intercede for me for the next phase of my life. Leaving my abusive husband is a decision that has been a long time coming….give me strength.

    • I will pray for you too. Stay courageous! You made a very very brave move. Keep your faith in God and accept His guidance. Be proud of your strength but ask God for more. Your journey is a long one to come, but with Prayers and intervention from this beautiful young Saint you will have some powerful holy Men beside you. I am praying for you to be safe. God bless you Bernadette ( I chose St. Bernadette for my confirmation). Sending love and prayers. …

  4. St. Gabriel please pray for me to live a life of chastity and becomefaithful to our lord Jesus Christ……with the constant assistance of Our Mother of Sorrow.

  5. O angelic young Gabriel, who, with your ardent love for Jesus Crucified and your compassion for Our Lady of Sorrows, were on earth a mirror of innocence and an example of every virtue; we turn to you full of confidence to implore your aid. Oh! How many evil things and afflictions O how many dangers, assail our young people from every side, seeking to make them lose the faith. You, who lived always a life of faith, who amongst the temptations of the world maintained purity and virginity; turn your eyes to us, cast us a compassionate and pitying glance! Help us to have the grace to persevere in faith; we invoke your name; we cannot doubt the effactiousness of your patronage! In full confidence of our hope in you, we pray, O Sweet Saint, to obtain this particular grace for the greater glory of God and for the good of souls (here mention your request). Finally, obtain for us from Jesus Christ Crucified, through Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, resignation and peace so that we might always live the Christian life, throughout all the times of this present life, so that we might one day be happy with you in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Amen

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