Feast of Blessed Luigi Rabatà

Beato Luigi Rabatà, ora pro nobis

May 8th is the Feast Day of Blessed Luigi Rabatà, Carmelite priest and ascetic. Born in Monte San Giuliano (Erice), Sicily c. 1443, he entered the Monastery of the Annunziata in Trapani, where he completed his studies and was ordained a priest. Reluctantly elected Prior of the reformed Carmelite Convent of San Michele Arcangelo in Randazzo (CT), he worked tirelessly for the Order and local community. Unafraid to condemn sinful practices, a local lord castigated by Luigi retaliated by ordering his murder. Shot in the head with an arrow, Luigi forgave his attacker. After months of suffering, he succumbed to his wound and died on this date in 1490. Luigi was Beatified on December 10, 1841 by Pope Gregory XVI. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Blessed Luigi Rabatà. The accompanying photo of Blessed Luigi Rabatà comes courtesy of the Santuario Maria SS. Annunziata di Trapani. Evviva Beato Luigi Rabatà!

Prayer to Blessed Luigi Rabatà

O God, who have adorned Blessed Luigi of love for the poor and patience in enduring offenses, grant us to live, in his imitation, in the meditation of eternal joys, in charity towards one's neighbor and towards our enemies. For Christ our Lord. Amen.