Today we remember Saint Agostino Roscelli who was born on July 27, 1818 in Bargone di Casarza Ligure, Italy. His family was poor farming family and he worked as a mountain shepherd and spend much time in prayer. He realized his call to the priesthood during a parish mission in May 1835. He received financial aid which allowed him to study in Genoa. He was ordained on September 19, 1846.
He was priest at the Church of Consolation in Genoa, he then became chaplain of an orphanage in 1874 for 22 years. He then became a prison chaplain and he especially liked working with prisoners on death row. He then established a school to train young women who were in danger of starving or prostitution. On October 15, 1876 he founded the Institute of Sisters of the Immaculata to run this school and others he established. He died on May 7, 1902 in Genoa. He was canonized on June 10, 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
"A spiritual feature characteristic of Blessed Agostino Roscelli…was to work at the service of his brothers and sisters without ever neglecting his interior union with the Lord. The true contemplative is the one who is able to work with greater force and incisiveness for the salvation of souls and the good of the Church. The new blessed’s apostolic activity was truly fruitful because it flowed from a genuine mystical and contemplative life. His ardent love for God, enriched by the gift of wisdom, enaged him to give himself as far as possible to serving his neighbor without ever being separated from the Lord." Pope John Paul II during the beatification ceremony
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