Giovanni Battista de' Rossi

Saint Giovanni Battista de’ Rossi was born on February 22, 1698, in Voltaggio, Italy, the youngest child of poor but devout parents. Recognized early for his intelligence, he continued his studies in Genoa and then in Rome, where he formed his heart for holiness amid serious suffering: epileptic seizures that would mark his entire life. Though such illness often prevented ordination, he received a special dispensation and became a priest on March 8, dedicating himself with tenderness to those most easily forgotten. In Rome he founded a hospice for homeless women, visited the sick, and served prisoners with patient mercy. As canon of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, he lived simply, selling comforts to provide for the poor. Though he feared having seizures in the confessional, obedience and grace made him a sought-after confessor, earning him a reputation as a “second Philip Neri.” His charity shone especially in forgiving those who misunderstood him. He died in Rome on May 23, 1764. He is venerated as patron of Thiene and Voltaggio. His feast day is May 23.