Blessed Gennaro Sarnelli, C.Ss.R.

A close friend of St. Alphonsus Liguori’s, Blessed Gennaro Sarnelli gave special care to the poor; he was an ardent social reformer who worked diligently to remove the scandal of young Neapolitan girls forced into prostitution by their poverty. He authored many books on spirituality, meditation, mystical theology, spiritual direction, law, pedagogy, and other moral and pastoral themes.

• Born in Naples, Italy September 2, 1702
• Received a doctorate in ecclesiastical and civil law in 1722
• Ordained a priest in July 1732
• Became a Redemptorist in April 1736
• Died June 30, 1744
• Beatified May 1996 by Pope John Paul II

Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa, O.Ss.R.

The Redemptoristine Nuns were founded in Scala, Italy in 1731 by Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa with the help of St. Alphonsus Liguori to be living memorials of God's love and to radiate Christ's redeeming presence. Leading a contemplative life style, they are wholly dedicated to an apostolate of prayer which places them in the heart of the Church and enables them to share in the joys and sufferings, the hopes and challenges that touch all peoples.

1696: Born October 31 in Naples, Italy.
1719: Professed Religious Vows
1723: Bishop closes the convent
1724: Maria Celeste and her sisters Ursula and Joan settle in Scala, Italy; living the rule of the Visitations
1724: April 25, received a revelation to found a new order of Nuns.
1731: May 13 (Pentecost Sunday) the nuns adopt the rule of The Order of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorisitines)
1732: The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer is founded.
1755: September 14, Celeste dies. St. Gerard Majella (a Redemptorist) said to a brother: “ I have just seen the soul of Mother Maria Celeste take flight for heaven."