Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli

Biography

Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli, also known as Januarius Maria Sarnelli, was born on 12 September 1702 in the castle of Duke Zapata, Naples, Italy. He was the son of the Baron of Ciorani and displayed exceptional intelligence from a young age. Gennaro showed great promise in the field of law and by the age of 20, he had become both a civil and canon lawyer.

During his studies, Gennaro formed a close friendship with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church who would later found the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). While practicing law, Gennaro felt a calling to the priesthood and a deep desire to serve the terminally ill. In 1728, he made the courageous decision to leave his legal career behind and entered the seminary.

Gennaro was ordained as a priest on 8 June 1732. Shortly after his ordination, he selflessly gave away all his personal property and wealth to the poor, embracing a life of poverty and solidarity with those in need. One of his primary missions was dedicated to helping and catechizing children who were considered "at risk" of entering lives of crime. He also worked tirelessly to support young women seeking to escape lives as prostitutes, a noble but dangerous endeavor that attracted threats from criminal elements who profited from the sex trade.

In addition to his dedication to the vulnerable and marginalized, Gennaro was a prolific writer and published numerous books on pastoral, social, and theological topics. Though some of his works remained unfinished, his writings displayed his deep knowledge and spiritual wisdom. His commitment to education and guidance extended beyond his direct interactions with individuals, reaching a wider audience through his written works.

Gennaro joined the Redemptorists in 1733, becoming a member of the Congregation of Apostolical Missions. In 1736, he was assigned to Naples, Italy, where he focused on supporting the missionary efforts of the Redemptorists. Alongside his primary mission, he spent his spare time ministering to the sick, the elderly, prisoners, and young boys who were forced into labor at the docks.

Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli passed away on 30 June 1744 in Naples, Italy, due to natural causes. He was laid to rest in the parish of Santa Maria dell’Aiuto in Naples, and later re-interred at the Redemptorist Church of Ciorani in Salerno, Italy. His unwavering dedication to the service of God and his fellow human beings resulted in his veneration being recognized on 2 December 1906 by Pope Pius X, who decreed his heroic virtues. Additionally, Gennaro was beatified on 12 May 1996 by Pope John Paul II, acknowledging his extraordinary life and example of holiness.