June 30, 2023

Feast of Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli

Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli, ora pro nobis

June 30th is the Feast of Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli (1702-1744), Redemptorist Priest and lawyer. One of Sant'Alfonso de Liguori’s earliest companions, the Neapolitan nobleman was a prolific writer, publishing over thirty volumes on various subjects. A zealous preacher and missionary, he tirelessly tended the sick and, with the support of King Carlo di Borbone, worked against prostitution and the corruption of young girls in the Kingdom of Naples. Invoked against prostitution, he is also the patron of writers and Italian Missionaries. In celebration, I’m Posting a prayer to Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli. Evviva Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli!


Prayer to Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli*


O Blessed Gennaro Maria, faithful disciple of Jesus the Redeemer, you put all your energy into revealing the loving countenance of God to the poor who live in neglect, to the sick who live in loneliness, to young girls who live amid the dangers of society, to those who live without a family’s love. You open the heart of Christ as the road to hope. Listen to my prayer and help all who call on you for care. Break the bread of God’s Word with those who are far from the faith so that the Redeemer’s blood may reach everyone, and bring the Church to true fellowship in God’s love. Amen.


* Prayer reprinted from A Life of Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli: Redemptorist (1702-1744) by Francesco Chiovaro, C.SS.R., Liguori Publications, 2003