Today Begins the Novena to St. Gabriel of our Sorrowful Mother
Saint Gabriel of our Lady of Sorrows, Passionist, is the patron of our novitiate and a mighty defender and intercessor on our behalf. Would you like to join us in asking his continued intercession for our novitiate members, vocation endeavors and all whom God is calling to join us in Passionist life? And may he intercede mightily for each of you our family and friends.We keep a novena for him each year from February 18 - 26, celebrating his Feastday on February 27. Before you begin asking for his intercession perhaps you would like to know a little about him:
He was born on 1 March 1838 in Assisi, Italy, attended primary school with the Christian Brothers, then secondary school with the Jesuits where he excelled in most subjects, but especially in literature. He was a lively and high-spirited young man who loved parties and dancing but nevertheless apparently lived a model life balancing the world and God.
While watching a procession on the octave of the Assumption in 1856, an image of Our Lady appeared to come to life and to speak to him, saying “What are you doing in the world? Religious life is awaiting you”.
Immediately afterwards and to everyone’s surprise he entered the Congregation of the Passion where he learned to contemplate the Passion of Jesus in the sorrowful heart of Mary. At his clothing ceremony he took the name of Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother. He died of tuberculosis on 27 February 1862 aged 24 shortly before he was to be ordained. Beatified in 1908 by Pope Pius X and canonized in 1920 by Benedict XV, he is one of the patrons of youth.
His feastday is February 27th.
Prayer to St. Gabriel ~ Patron of our Novitiate
O good St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, you were taught by God to love the Passion of Jesus and to remember the Sorrows of Mary His Mother. By her side, you stood by the Cross of Jesus and shared her compassion. Following her, you grew in love for God and all His people. O St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, we humbly ask you to intercede before God on our behalf, especially for the intentions we now present before you.
- For our vocation promotion endeavors
- For all the women whom God is calling to join our monastic family
- For the spiritual and temporal needs of our novitiate members and the novice directress
- For all who pass through this novitiate - this holy training ground - that they will respond generously to God’s graces poured out in their hearts during this time of intense formation
We place our trust in your prayers St. Gabriel and wish to follow your example. Remember us, and especially our youth, with compassion. Support us all our days by your holy prayers. And when this life is done, may we join you in heaven in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen!
God bless you!