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Wednesday, February 27, Second Week of Lent

On this day last year was the 150th anniversary of the saint's death which was marked
with a year of commemoration at his shrine and burial place in the monastery of Gran Sasso.
ST. GABRIELE DELL'ADDOLORATA (St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows), (Italy, 1838-1862)
Passionist seminarian, Patron of Young People
Francesco Possenti was the 11th of 13 children born to a well-off family in Assisi who later moved to Spoleto. From childhood, he was known for his piety and charity but he also eNjoyed the social scene, partying and girl friends. At least three times when his life was in danger (twice from illness and once when hit by a stray bullet while hunting), he promised to enter the religious life but did not. A number of family tragedies ending with the death of a sister from cholera finally pushed him into carrying out his promise, aided by a brother who was a Dominican friar. At age 18, he joined the Passionist order where he took the name Gabriele dell'Addolorata. However, he contracted tuberculosis and died before he could be ordained a priest. In the monastery of Gran Sasso, he was known for his joyful spirit, even after he fell ill. He was a perfect follower of the Passionist rule, and was an example to his fellow students, for his excellence in studies as well as for his spiritual life. He has left writings documenting his spiritual progress. Soon after his death, his fame for sanctity quickly spread among the people of the Abruzzo and among the Passionists. In 1891, his order initiated his cause for canonization. Present at his beatification in 1908 were one of his brothers, his Passionist spiritual director. and his closest friend at the monastery. He was canonized in 1920 and declared patron of Young People. His cult was particularly strong among the Italians who migrated to the United States in the early part of the 20th entury.
Readings for today's Mass: www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022713.cfm


AT THE VATICAN TODAY

Benedict XVI's last General Audience - The Pope's farewell to the faithful was a moving expression of gratitude
to God and to all who have given him their prayers and affection, and lately, acceptance of his decision to retire
for the good of the Church. A message full of faith, hope and love as his Pontificate has been.