St. Gabriel Possenti (1838–1862), known in religion as “Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows,” was an Italian Passionist clerical student whose brief life exemplified youthful holiness. Born Francesco Possenti to a large family (he was the eleventh of thirteen children), he enjoyed the lively social life of a teenager in Assisi and Spoleto. After surviving serious illnesses and the death of a beloved sister, Francesco heard God’s call. Inspired by the Virgin Mary, he renounced thoughts of worldly success and entered the Passionist congregation at age 18, taking the name Gabriel and dedicating himself especially to the sorrows of Mary. In the monastery Gabriel was cheerful and beloved, striving for perfection in little things. He had a special charism for kindness and sensitivity to others’ feelings, and he embraced the Passionist life of penance and prayer with zeal. Before he could be ordained, Gabriel contracted tuberculosis. He bore his painful illness with remarkable patience and joy, often clutching an image of Our Lady of Sorrows. He died on February 27, 1862, at just 24 years old. Miraculous cures soon began to be attributed to his intercession, and devotion to him spread among young people in Italy. St. Gabriel was canonized in 1920 and declared a patron of Catholic youth, seen as a model of purity, diligence in study, and holy joy.