St. Gabriel’s spiritual journey began when he was a young boy. He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he would often spend hours praying before her image. As he grew older, he felt a calling to the religious life, and he joined the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, commonly known as the Passionists. He took the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, in honor of Mary’s .
St. Gabriel’s life as a Passionist was marked by his deep spirituality and his commitment to serving others. He spent many years in meditation and contemplation, and he had numerous spiritual experiences that deepened his faith. He was known for his humility, his kindness, and his compassion.
One of the most significant spiritual experiences of St. Gabriel’s life was his vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On February 27, 1864, he was praying in his cell when he saw Mary standing in front of him. She was holding a of thorns, and she spoke to him about the passion of Christ. St. Gabriel was deeply moved by this vision, and he dedicated himself even more fully to the service of Christ.
St. Gabriel is known for many , but perhaps the most famous is the prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows. This prayer acknowledges Mary’s sorrow during the passion of Christ and asks for her intercession in our own suffering. It reads:
“Oh Mother of Sorrows, thou who with thy divine Son didst suffer affliction on earth, do not forsake me in my troubles and trials, but obtain for me thy compassionate intercession with thy divine Son.”
This prayer is often used by those who are experiencing emotional or physical pain, as well as those who are struggling with difficult decisions or life circumstances.
Another powerful prayer that is associated with St. Gabriel is the Prayer for the Sick. This prayer asks for healing for those who are suffering from illness or injury. It reads:
“Most Holy and Adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I thank thee for all the blessings thou hast bestowed upon me. In thy mercy, I implore thee to heal the sick and afflicted. In thy love, comfort them in their suffering and restore them to health and strength.”
This prayer is often used by those who are ill, as well as by their members and caregivers.
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows is a saint who reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of faith in God. His life and his example inspire us to seek God’s will in our lives and to serve others with kindness and compassion. May we always turn to him in our times of need, and may his intercession bring us closer to Christ.