Early Life and Education
• Birth and Family: Born on February 22, 1698, in Voltaggio, Italy, John Baptist de Rossi grew up in a faith-filled but financially modest family.
• Early Education: Noted for his piety and potential, John received spiritual guidance and education from priests Scipio Gaetano and Giuseppe Repetto.
• Genoa and Rome: At 10, he moved to Genoa for schooling, supported by a noble couple. After his father’s death in 1710, he continued his education in Rome under the Jesuits and Dominicans.
Spiritual Growth and Challenges
• Lay Groups and Service: John joined the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin and the Ristretto of the Twelve Apostles, leading them in prayer and service to the poor.
• Health Struggles: His intense practices of mortification led to health issues, including epilepsy, which he battled throughout his life.
Priesthood and Ministry
• Ordination: Despite his epilepsy, John was ordained a priest on March 8, 1721, with a special dispensation.
• Service to the Poor: He dedicated himself to serving Rome’s sick, homeless, and prostitutes, visiting hospitals by day and ministering to street people by night.
• Hospice for Homeless Women: John helped establish a hospice near Saint Galla and ministered to prisoners and workers.
Holiness and Preaching
• Compassion and Conversion: John’s selfless care for the sick and dying, such as a young man with syphilis, showed his deep compassion and led many to conversion.
• Influence on Priests: Known for his holiness, John urged priests to preach simply and care deeply for their congregations.
• Canon and Confessor: In 1735, he became titular canon at St. Mary in Cosmedin and, despite his illness, was granted the faculty to hear confessions in Rome’s churches.
Final Years and Legacy
• Declining Health: John’s health deteriorated, but he continued to preach and minister until his final days. He passed away on May 23, 1764.
• Canonization: His cause for canonization, initiated by Pope Pius VI, culminated with his beatification by Pope Pius IX in 1860 and canonization by Pope Leo XIII in 1881.
• Patronage and Feast Day: He is the patron saint of Voltaggio, and his feast day is celebrated on May 23.
Reflection
Saint John Baptist de Rossi’s life is a powerful example of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to God’s call, even in the face of personal suffering. His story teaches us several important lessons for our own lives.
• Compassion and Service: John’s selfless care for the poor, sick, and marginalized reminds us of the importance of compassion in our daily interactions. We can follow his example by reaching out to those in need with kindness and empathy.
• Perseverance in Adversity: Despite his health challenges, John remained committed to his ministry. His perseverance teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith and duties, even when faced with difficulties.
• Simple and Effective Preaching: John’s advice to preach simply and with love can guide us in our communication with others. Whether sharing our faith or offering support, simplicity and sincerity are powerful tools.
Saint John Baptist de Rossi’s legacy as the “apostle of the abandoned” inspires us to live with love and dedication, always seeking to serve God and others. May his example guide us to be compassionate, persevering, and faithful in all we do. Amen.