Who is San Gabriele

Who Was San Gabriele?

Born in Assisi in 1838 as Francesco Possenti, San Gabriele grew up in a devout and cultured family. He was known for his charm, intelligence, and love of the arts. After surviving a serious illness and witnessing a Marian procession, he felt a deep spiritual calling and entered the Passionist Congregation at age 18, taking the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

As a Passionist, he lived a life of humility, prayer, and deep devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Although he never became a priest due to his declining health, his holiness was evident to all who knew him. He died from tuberculosis at the age of 24 in 1862.

San Gabriele was canonised in 1920 and is now a patron saint of youth, students, and young religious. His shrine at Isola del Gran Sasso in Italy attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, particularly young people, drawn by his joyful spirit and unwavering devotion.