February 27 + Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

Francesco Possenti was born in 1838 in Assisi, Italy, the eleventh of thirteen children born to his mother, Agnes, who died when he was only four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured twice of serious illnesses, came to believe that God was calling him to the religious life. Young Francesco wished to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, not yet 17.

Following the death of a sister to cholera, his resolve to enter religious life became even stronger and he was accepted by the Passionists. Upon entering the novitiate, he was given the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Ever popular and cheerful, Gabriel was quickly successful in his effort to be faithful in little things. His spirit of prayer, love for the poor, consideration of the feelings of others, exact observance of the Passionist Rule as well as his bodily penances made a deep impression on everyone.

His superiors had great expectations of Gabriel as he prepared for the priesthood, but after only four years of religious life, symptoms of tuberculosis appeared. Ever obedient, he patiently bore the painful effects of the disease and the restrictions it required, seeking no special notice. He died peacefully on February 27, 1862, at age 24, having been an example to both young and old. He was canonized in 1920 and is the the Patron Saint of students, young people and clerics.

When we think of achieving great holiness by doing little things with love and grace, Saint Therese of Lisieux comes first to mind. Like her, Gabriel died painfully from tuberculosis. Together they urge us to tend to the small details of daily life and to be considerate of others’ feelings every day. Our path to sanctity, like theirs, often lies not in heroic doings but in performing small acts of kindness every day.