This lovable Saint was born at Assisi and received the name Francis at Baptism, in honor of the great St. Francis of Assisi. His mother died when he was only four. Francis’ father sent for a governess to raise him and the other children.
Francis grew to be a very handsome, likeable boy, who was the most popular dancer at all the parties. He really loved to have fun, but he was a good boy and even while having good times, he felt bored. He felt in his heart a strong desire for the things of God. Twice when he became so sick that he nearly died, he promised Our Lady that if she obtained his cure, he would become a religious. He did get better both times, but he did not keep his promise.
One day, afterwards, as he looked at a picture of the Sorrowful Mother being carried in a procession, it seemed to him that the Blessed Mother looked at him. At the same time, he felt something like a voice in his heart telling him: “Francis, the world is not for you any more.”
That did it. Francis entered the Passionist monastery. He was only eighteen. The name he took was Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother.
Gabriel’s three great loves were the Passion of Our Lord, the Blessed Sacrament and our Sorrowful Mother.
He practiced two virtues in a special way: humility and obedience. In just six years, Gabriel became a saint.
We should not think only of having good times. God made us for Heaven. So we should often think of the great joys awaiting us there, if we live a life pleasing to God.
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