Saint Agostino Roscelli

Biography

Saint Agostino Roscelli, also known as Augustine Roscelli or Augustin Roscelli, was born on July 27, 1818, in Bargone di Casarza Ligure, Italy, to a poor farming family. From his youth, Agostino showed a deep devotion to prayer, spending his solitary time as a mountain shepherd engaged in spiritual contemplation. In May 1835, during a parish mission, Agostino experienced a profound calling to the priesthood, a vocation that he wholeheartedly pursued with prayer and determination. Miraculously, his fervent prayers attracted financial support, enabling him to pursue his studies in Genoa, Italy. Agostino's unwavering commitment led to his ordination as a priest on September 19, 1846. Following his ordination, Saint Agostino Roscelli served as a priest at Saint Martin d'Albaro in 1846, and later at the Church of Consolation in Genoa from 1854. His dedication to ministry extended beyond the traditional boundaries as he also served as a chaplain of the provincial orphanage in 1874, a role he held for an impressive 22 years. Moreover, he worked as a chaplain in prisons, providing spiritual guidance and solace to inmates, with a particular focus on those condemned to death. A compassionate and visionary servant of God, Saint Agostino Roscelli recognized the plight of young women at risk of starvation or being forced into prostitution due to the lack of support and resources. To address this pressing issue, he established a residential school to train and care for these vulnerable individuals. On October 15, 1876, he further founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata, a religious community entrusted with running this and other residential centers that he established. Saint Agostino Roscelli dedicated his life to promoting the sanctity and well-being of others, especially those who were marginalized and shunned by society. He exhibited heroic virtues, demonstrating unwavering faith, immense love, and selflessness in his service to God and His people. For his remarkable life and virtues, Pope John Paul II declared the veneration of Saint Agostino Roscelli on December 21, 1989. In recognition of his exceptional holiness, Saint Agostino Roscelli was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 7, 1995. Later, on June 10, 2001, he was canonized as a saint by the same pope, affirming his sanctity and providing him as a role model for the faithful. Though Saint Agostino Roscelli does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life and work continue to inspire countless individuals to emulate his compassion, devotion, and commitment to serving those in need.