Feast of a True Passionist Shepherd
~ Liturgy of the Hours of the Feast of St. Vincent Strambi, C.P.
Saint Vincent was born in Civitavecchia (Italy) in 1745. A short time after his ordination to the priesthood, he entered the recently founded Passionist Congregation. Travelling throughout most of Italy, he endeavoured to promote the Christian life among the people by preaching on the Passion. He wrote hagiographical and devotional books, the most significant of which was that on the Precious Blood. Being an outstanding spiritual director, he directed among others, Saint Gaspar del Bufalo and Blessed Anna Maria Taigi.
Appointed Bishop of Macerata and Tolentino (Italy), he showed himself to be a true shepherd of his flock and promoted the reform of the clergy and the people with apostolic zeal.
In the political upheavals of the time, he was a fearless advocate of the freedoms of the Church and chose exile in preference to an unlawful oath of loyalty to Napoleon. When he returned to his see after exile, he once again manifested his deep pastoral concern and extraordinary charity for the poor.
Called by Pope Leo XII to become his personal advisor, he died in the Quirinal Palace on 1st January 1824, after having offered himself to God in place of the Pope, who was seriously ill.
Let us pray
All powerful and ever living God, you made your bishop Saint Vincent Mary Strambi a devoted shepherd of your flock and a faithful servant of your Church. Strengthen us by his example to love our neighbour and work for justice as members of your Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Offer a prayer for our Passionist Missionaries at St. Vincent Strambi School
High School in Jamaica, West Indies named after St. Vincent Strambi
Photos of the Passionist Missionaries and the students at St. Vincent Strambi High School.