A great friend of Saint Alphonsus and his faithful companion, he joined the saint’s project with a singular contribution, full of zeal for the salvation of the most abandoned souls.
Gennaro Maria Sarnelli was born in Naples on September 12, 1702, into the family of Baron Ciorani.
In 1722 he graduated in canon and civil law and practiced law until 1728. During these years he met another lawyer: Alfonso María de Liguori.
While still a layperson, he joined the group centered around Saint Alphonsus. In 1728, he left the legal profession and was ordained a priest in 1732. That same year, De Liguori founded the new Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists); Gennaro Sarnelli joined him a year later, and together they undertook a series of missions along the Amalfi coast and in the inland towns.
In 1736, he returned to Naples, where he dedicated himself to evangelizing prostitutes. He also worked to provide religious and material assistance to the “labourers,” exploited minors.
From 1741, he organized a permanent mission on the outskirts of Naples.
He died at the age of 41, on June 30, 1744, in Naples, and was buried in the parish of Santa Maria dell’Aiuto. He was later transferred to the motherhouse of the Redemptorists.
John Paul II proclaimed him blessed on May 12, 1996.
(source: causesanti.va)
Let us pray
O God, who chose Blessed Gennaro Maria, a priest, to manifest, through his preaching and works, your love for those who suffer. Grant, inspired by your charity, that we may follow his example by generously committing ourselves to lovingly addressing the needs of our brothers and sisters. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who is God, lives, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
