Saint Vincent Strambi, C.P
SAINT VINCENT STRAMBI, C.P. 1745-1824. OSMUND THORPE, C. P. Among the servants of God whose Canonization gladdened the Church in the Jubilee Year, 1950, was a Passionist Bishop, whose name, although it is as yet little known in Australia, has been almost a household word in Central Italy. The life of this heroic champion of the Faith is full of lessons for us all, but one stands out in bold relief—his unswerving loyalty to the Holy See in time of persecution. In defence of its rights, he suffered six years of exile, and finally gave up his life that a Pope might not die. Vincent Strambi was born on January 1st, 1745, at Civitavecchia, a historic seaport town fifty miles north-west of Rome. Of four children, he was the youngest and the only one that survived early childhood, and thus he became heir to all the care and attention of undivided affection. His heredity and environment were strongly on the side of sanctity. Though his parents were considered wealthy in a town that was at the height of its prosperity, they were richer far in holiness of life, in virtue and good works. His father, who was a chemist, was a member of the Holy Name Society and took a very active part in all parochial affairs. Vincent grew into a tall, comely boy, unspoiled by all the care lavished upon him. Unfortunately, we are told little of his boyhood beyond that he served Mass daily, and when he had grown old enough, taught catechism in the parish church.
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