Feast of Sant'Annibale Maria di Francia

Sant'Annibale, ora pro nobis

June 1st is the Feast of Sant'Annibale Maria di Francia (b. Messina, 1851—d. Messina, 1927), founder of the Rogationists and the Daughters of Divine Zeal. Co-patron of Messina, Sicily, he is popularly known as the “father of orphans and the poor” owing to his evangelization and many charitable works, including the founding the Anthonian Orphanages in 1882. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Hannibal. Evviva Sant'Annibale Maria di Francia!

Prayer to St. Hannibal

O Saint Hannibal, full of heavenly love, during your life here on earth, you lived faithfully according to the interests of the Heart of Jesus. You followed His Divine Command to pray for holy vocations to His Church, and dedicated your life for the poor and the little ones. Intercede for us that we may be blessed with an abundance of priestly, religious, and lay vocations in the Church. Inflame our hearts with your love that we may become holy and edifying modern day disciples of Christ. I pray to you to obtain for me from God the necessary grace, which I ardently desire... (Mention here your petitions) Bless me, 0 Saint Hannibal, and my family that we may all live together in unity, peace, and love. Grant, through your intercession, the graces of which your devotees are in great need. May all be for God's glory and the greater good of our souls. Amen.