Novena to Bl. Anna Rosa Gattorno

Novena to Bl. Anna Rosa Gattorno

(Feast May 6)

Bl. Gattorno your life was one of continual suffering.  Notably your first child was left deaf and mentally handicapped after a sudden illness.  Later you would lose your husband after only 6 years of marriage and then your youngest little son. Bl. Gattorno the suffering of your life brought you to a closer communion with Jesus.  Pray that our suffering here on earth will also bring such beautiful fruits.  Pray that we may possess a missionary fervor, strength and zeal of service to our neighbors.  Pray Bl. Gattorno that our faith may deepen so that we may face all obstacles in our life with trust and complete abandonment to Jesus. We ask that you present our petitions to Jesus at the foot of the cross. Amen

(1 Our Father, I Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)

Bl Gattorno received the gift of the hidden stigmata in 1962.  The stigmata was perceived most intensely on Fridays.  Feeling inspired to start a Foundation herself she sought the counsel of Pope Pius IX who encouraged her to start a foundation immediately.  She named her new religoius order “the Daughters of St. Anne, mother of Mary Immaculate(1866). Bl. Gattorno is a wonderful intercessor for us as she experienced the struggles of marriage, motherhood, and religious life.

Bl. Anna Rosa Gattorno was beatified by Pope John Paul II April 9th 2000.

Excerpt from the homily given by Pope John Paul II at the beatification of Bl. Gattorno:

"I, when I am lifted up from the earth", Jesus promised in the Gospel, "will draw all men to myself" (Jn 12: 32). Indeed, from high on the Cross Jesus will reveal to the world God's boundless love for humanity in need of salvation. Irresistibly drawn by this love, Anna Rosa Gattorno made a continual sacrifice of her life for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of all mankind. To be "Jesus' voice" in order to bring the message of his saving love everywhere:  this was her heart's deepest desire!

With complete trust in Providence and motivated by a courageous impulse of charity, Bl. Anna Rosa Gattorno had one desire:  to serve Jesus in the suffering and wounded limbs of her neighbour, with sensitivity and motherly attention to all human misery.