Gennaro Maria Sarnelli
Gennaro Maria Sarnelli was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and an early companion of Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori. He was a prolific writer and dedicated his life to apostolic zeal, preaching missions, aiding the sick, and working to protect young women from prostitution. His holiness was recognized during his lifetime, leading to his beatification by Pope John Paul II in 1996.
Key Facts
- ›Gennaro Maria Sarnelli was born in Naples on September 12, 1702, into a noble family.
- ›He initially pursued law, earning a doctorate in CIVIL and canon law in 1722, but his call to the priesthood developed while ministering to the sick at the Hospital of the Incurables.
- ›Sarnelli was ordained a priest in 1732 and joined the Congregation of the Apostolic Missions.
- ›He became one of the earliest companions of Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori in founding the Redemptorists in 1733.
- ›Sarnelli dedicated significant effort to combating prostitution, facing threats from those involved in the trade.
- ›He died on June 30, 1744, with Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori present at his bedside.
Major Works
- Il Mondo santificato
- Il Mondo reformato
- L'Anima illuminata
- L'Anima desolata
- Il Cristiano illuminato, dirretto ed ammaestrato
- Il Cristiano santificato
- Le Glorie e Grandezze della Divina Madre
- Devozioni pratiche per onorare la SS. Trinità e Maria Santissima e Devozioni per apparecchio ad una buona morte
- Lettere spirituali
- Della discrezione degli Spiriti
- L'Ecclesiastico Santificato
- Contro il vizio della bestemmia
- Ragioni Cattoliche, legali e politiche, contro il meretricio
- Vita del Ven. Servo di Dio P.D. Gennaro Sarnelli
- La via facile e sicura del Paradiso
Protection of Young Women, Combating Prostitution
Redemptorists, Congregation of the Apostolic Missions
About Gennaro Maria Sarnelli
Gennaro Maria Sarnelli (1702–1744) was an Italian Roman Catholic priest and a dedicated member of the Redemptorist order. He is recognized for his early association with Saint Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori and his extensive writings on various religious subjects. Sarnelli's life was marked by profound apostolic zeal, encompassing missionary preaching, care for the sick, and courageous efforts to combat prostitution.
Early Life and Vocation
Born in Naples on September 12, 1702, Gennaro Maria Sarnelli came from a noble family. Initially, he pursued legal studies, earning a doctorate in civil and canon law. However, his commitment to serving the poor and sick at the Hospital of the Incurables ignited a strong calling to the priesthood. He abandoned his legal career in 1728 to commence his ecclesiastical studies and was ordained in 1732.
Ministry and Redemptorist Foundation
After his ordination, Sarnelli joined the Congregation of the Apostolic Missions and soon became a close collaborator with Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori. He was instrumental in the early days of the Redemptorist order, joining in 1733. Together, they conducted missions, particularly along the Amalfi coast. Sarnelli's pastoral work also involved catechizing children, visiting the elderly, and ministering to those condemned to death.
Social Work and Writings
Sarnelli's dedication extended to confronting social injustices. He directed significant efforts towards helping young women escape prostitution, a dangerous mission that exposed him to threats from criminal elements. His prolific writing addressed spiritual perseverance, the responsibilities of civil leaders, and the vice of blasphemy. His work, like "Il Mondo santificato," was published in multiple volumes, and his emphasis on meditation was so impactful that Pope Benedict XIV issued an apostolic letter concerning indulgences for this practice.
Death and Beatification
Gennaro Maria Sarnelli died on June 30, 1744, attended by Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori. His reputation for holiness led to the opening of his beatification cause in 1861. After a thorough examination of his life of heroic virtue and a verified miraculous healing, he was declared Venerable in 1906. Pope John Paul II officially beatified him on May 12, 1996, recognizing his significant contributions to faith and service.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Gennaro Maria Sarnelli born?
Gennaro Maria Sarnelli was born in Naples, Italy, on September 12, 1702.
What was Gennaro Maria Sarnelli's early career path?
He initially studied law and earned a doctorate in civil and canon law. However, his experiences as a volunteer at the Hospital of the Incurables led him to discern a vocation to the priesthood.
What religious order did Gennaro Maria Sarnelli join?
He joined the Congregation of the Apostolic Missions and later became one of the earliest companions of Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori in the founding of the Redemptorists.
What were some of Gennaro Maria Sarnelli's notable contributions?
Sarnelli was a prolific writer on religious topics and actively preached missions. He also dedicated himself to caring for the sick and worked to help young women escape prostitution, even in the face of threats.
When was Gennaro Maria Sarnelli beatified?
Gennaro Maria Sarnelli was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 12, 1996, in Saint Peter's Square.
Where are Gennaro Maria Sarnelli's remains located?
His remains were reinterred in the Redemptorist church of Santi Alfonso e Antonio at Tarsia in Naples and were later moved again on October 25, 1994, to the Redemptorist church of La Santissima Trinità in Ciorani.
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