Also known as
    Francesco Possenti
    Francis Possenti
    Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother
    Gabriel Possenti

Memorial
    27 February

Profile
    One of thirteen children. After a youth devoted to the world and society, attending the theatre, chasing women and the hunt, he was led to the Passionist Order by Our Lady. His life was not marked by great events or controversy, but given to prayer, sacrifice, and a devotion to Our Lady and the contemplation of her sorrows over the suffering of Jesus. Many miracles are attributed to him after his death. Cured Saint Gemma Galgani when she prayed to him. Pope Benedict XV gave him as a pattern for young people.

Born
    1 March 1838 at Assisi, Italy

Died
    27 February 1862 at Abruzzi, Italy of tuberculosis

Name Meaning
    God is my strength; God is mighty; strong man of God; the strength of God

Venerated
    14 May 1905

Beatified
    31 May 1908

Canonized
    13 May 1920 by Pope Benedict XV

Patronage
    Abruzzi, Italy
    Catholic Action
    clerics
    students
    young people in general