Feast of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin
Today, we celebrate the feast day of one of the most beloved saints of the Passionist Congregation, St. Gabriel Possenti of the Sorrowful Virgin. As a young man, Francis resembled his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, as he was known for his joyful temperament. In fact, he loved music and was quite a dancer! But God had planted in his heart a seed which eventually bore fruit in a desire to give himself to God as a Passionist. Our Blessed Mother was instrumental in his finally saying yes to God. So, it is not surprising to see that she continued to be his inspiration and teacher throughout his short life as a Passionist. Born in 1838, he died at Isola of Gran Sasso, Italy on February 27, 1862.
I sought to be Her companion
this Sweet and Gentle Mother Mary
as She stood ‘neath the Cross of Her Son.
To compassionate
Her Heart and His Heart
was the only treasure
I sought to claim
as my own.
From Her Sorrowful Heart
I learned how to love my Lord
and give myself totally to Him.
Yes, Our Mother Mary
I learned how to love my Lord
and give myself totally to Him.
Yes, Our Mother Mary
taught me
to gaze into
the Mystery of Calvary
And through Her eyes
to enter
into this Mystery of God’s Love.
Such is my vocation
as Passionist
I learned this from Mother Mary
at the Foot of the Cross
of Jesus Crucified.