February 27, 2025

Dear John,

Today’s Saint of the Day, Gabriel of Our Lady of the Sorrows, suffered terrible losses early in his life, but that didn't stop him from pursuing the Gospel call. His positive demeanor, even in the face of debilitating tuberculosis, fills me with hope. I hope it has this impact on you too.

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of the Sorrows didn't achieve "great things" in his life, but he showed that that doesn't really matter all that much to God. If we're doing small things, going about our business quietly, but keeping our eyes fixed on the true north of the Gospel message, I believe God is quite happy with us.

If you enjoy these daily inspirations sent to your inbox every morning, we humbly ask you to consider donating to Franciscan Media today to help us in Rebuilding God's Church. Without your help, our work is not possible. And please know that we will continue praying for you daily during morning prayer. Peace and all good!

Daniel Imwalle

Managing Editor

St. Anthony Messenger

SAINT OF THE DAY

stained-glass-window-of-saint-gabriel-of-our-lady-of-sorrows

Saint of the Day for February 27:
Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

(March 1, 1838 – February 27, 1862)

Listen to Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows’ Story Here

Born in Italy into a large family and baptized Francis, Saint Gabriel lost his mother when he was only four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured twice of serious illnesses, came to believe that God was calling him to the religious life. Young Francis wished to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, not yet 17. Following the death of a sister to cholera, his resolve to enter religious life became even stronger and he was accepted by the Passionists. Upon entering the novitiate he was given the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Ever popular and cheerful, Gabriel quickly was successful in his effort to be faithful in little things. His spirit of prayer, love for the poor, consideration of the feelings of others, exact observance of the Passionist Rule as well as his bodily penances—always subject to the will of his wise superiors— made a deep impression on everyone.

His superiors had great expectations of Gabriel as he prepared for the priesthood, but after only four years of religious life symptoms of tuberculosis appeared. Ever obedient, he patiently bore the painful effects of the disease and the restrictions it required, seeking no special notice. He died peacefully on February 27, 1862, at age 24, having been an example to both young and old.

Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was canonized in 1920.

Reflection

When we think of achieving great holiness by doing little things with love and grace, Therese of Lisieux comes first to mind. Like her, Gabriel died painfully from tuberculosis. Together they urge us to tend to the small details of daily life, to be considerate of others’ feelings every day. Our path to sanctity, like theirs, probably lies not in heroic doings but in performing small acts of kindness every day.

Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows is a Patron Saint of:

Clergy
Students
Young People

Make this Lent a season of transformation. Let St. Anthony Messenger be your guide!

Join now and receive an

exclusive bonus
Subscribe today and get

TWO FREE ISSUES!

(available for a limited time!)

MINUTE MEDITATIONS

Let Us Rebuild

In John 13:34, it reads: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Hate, as I have come to understand these past 10 or so years, doesn’t build; it obliterates. It doesn’t bind us; it tears us down. And once hatred finds a crack in our broken hearts, it will build a home there. But we cannot allow that to happen.

Moving forward in this new reality, I draw peace (and, if I may, a bit of fire) from something St. Francis said to his early band of brothers: “He who has persevered to the end will be saved.” Challenge accepted.

—from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “A Time to Rebuild“
by Susan Hines-Brigger, Christopher Heffron, and Daniel Imwalle

PAUSE+PRAY

When Prayer Feels Dry

Reflect

Do you sometimes feel trapped by your own habits and customs, ways of doing things? Even our prayer and worship can become so repetitive and familiar that it seems like we’re on autopilot. Always asking for the same grace, always repeating the same words, the same fears, the same sins, the same praise. When this happens, prayer may begin to feel dry, rote, even meaningless. Instead of giving up or becoming disheartened, what we may need is to take a cue from Psalm 149:1, 3: “Sing to the Lord a new song. . . . Let them praise his name in dance.”

Pray

Lord,
I give you my heart, my hopes, my fears, and my desires.
Everything I have has come from you,
and all I am is a gift made in your image.
Let my every word, my every silence, my every step,
and my every stillness sing your praise today.
Amen.

Act

Take a moment today to sing to the Lord. Whatever comes into your heart, sing a hymn, a folk song, a love song, or even a lullaby. It can be something you learned as a child or something you just made up. Offer it to God. Don’t be afraid. God gave you your voice, and God delights when you give it back to him. As you sing, feel yourself giving way to the song. Let the song, whatever it is, become your praise. And—if so moved—you might even let the dancing begin.

Today's Pause+Pray was written by Herman Sutter. Learn more here!

Thank you for reading! If you wish to donate, please click the button below.

Help Us Rebuild!