Nine days of prayer with Saint Gabriel Possenti, C.P.

Saint Gabriel Possenti was born in Assisi, Italy on March 1, 1838. His mother died when he was a small child, leaving a family of thirteen children. His father, who was Governor of Assisi, had to bring up his family alone.

As a young man, Gabriel was lively, intelligent and popular at school. A successful career seemed to be waiting for him. Yet God called within his heart and led him another way. Gabriel chose religious life.

To the surprise of everyone, he entered the Passionist Community and spent his remaining years in prayer, study, and reflection. His father, who thought he was wasting his life, did all he could at first to dissuade him from becoming a Passionist.

Gabriel, through his devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, received strength to bear the pain of being misunderstood by those he loved. He continued to grow strong in faith and holiness, while at the same time his physical strength diminished, weakened by sickness and the demands of the life he now led.

He died in 1862 at the age of 23, just before his ordination to the priesthood.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Come to my aid, O God.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Almighty God,
Father of mercies
and giver of all good gifts,
we come before you
to honor you in your saints
and to ask their help
in our many needs.
You promised those who ask,
would receive;
those who seek,
would find;
those who knock,
would have doors opened to them.
Hear the prayers of your church,
grant our requests,
and pardon our sins.

O good Saint Gabriel,
God inspired you
to see the Passion of Jesus
as it was reflected
in the heart of Mary, his mother.
By her side, you stood
beneath the cross of Jesus,
gazing on him as she did
and learning the meaning of love.
O Saint Gabriel,
we wish, like you, to grow in love
for God and all God's people.
Remember us in our trials;
remember especially those
who are young.

(Here mention your request.)

Support us by your prayers
all our days.
And when this life is done,
may we join you in heaven
in the joyful company of Jesus
and Mary.
Amen.

obtain for our young people
the grace of following Jesus
with generosity.

May they place the gospel
at the very heart of their lives.
May they desire
to love God wholeheartedly
as you did.

Following your example
may we all live lives
faithful to God's call
while here on earth.
Then one day
we will know
the peace and joy
of eternal life in heaven.
Amen.

Call me, Lord;
Call my name,
and I will follow you.

Call me in the morning,
when the day is new;
Call me when it's evening,
and all my whole life through.

Voices from everywhere
call to me, O Lord;
But you alone know my name,
I belong to you.

Call me when it's dark, Lord;
when I hardly hear;
Speak to me within my heart,
tell me you are near.

By your call lead me on,
to all that I can do;
Always call my name, O Lord,
and I will follow you.

Nine days of prayer | Index of "Lord, Teach Us How to Pray"