Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi

Biography

Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi, also known as John Baptist de Rossi, John Baptist Rossi, and John Baptist de Rubeis, was born on February 22, 1698, in Voltaggio, Italy. He was one of four children of Charles de Rossi and Frances Anfossi. At a young age, he was taken by a wealthy noble couple to Genoa, where he received his education. It was during his time in Genoa that he encountered Capuchin friars who recognized his potential and assisted him in continuing his studies in Rome. At the age of 13, Giovanni Battista began studying at the Roman College under the Jesuits. He became a member of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin and the Ristretto of the Twelve Apostles, demonstrating his devotion to the faith from an early age. However, he also had to cope with the challenges of being epileptic, which affected his health throughout his life. Despite his health struggles, Giovanni Battista continued his education and studied philosophy and theology under the Dominicans. On March 3, 1721, he was ordained a priest and was assigned to Rome. As a priest, Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi dedicated himself to serving the marginalized and needy. He played a key role in establishing a hospice for homeless women near Saint Galla’s hospice in Rome. His devotion and love for the Church were evident in his actions, as he used his compensation as a canon of Santa Maria, Cosmedin in 1737 to purchase an organ for the church. Giovanni Battista also took on the role of a missioner and catechist, reaching out to teamsters, farmers, herdsmen, the homeless, the sick, beggars, prostitutes, and prisoners in the Campagna region. He faced challenges in his ministry due to the fear that his seizures could occur while hearing confessions. However, at the urging of the bishop of Civitá Castellana, he accepted hearing confessions as part of his vocation. Despite his physical struggles, he became a sought-after confessor in Rome, believing that guiding others to heaven through the confessional was the shortest road to salvation. Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi was also recognized for his powerful preaching, attracting many listeners who sought spiritual guidance. He was assigned as a catechist to government officials and even the public hangman, demonstrating his dedication to reaching out to individuals from all walks of life. Throughout his life, Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi exhibited a deep devotion to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. He was known for his austerity and self-imposed acts of penance, which took a toll on his health. Despite never fully regaining his strength, he continued to serve and care for the spiritual needs of others. Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi was renowned for his miracles, which further solidified his reputation as a holy man. His life was filled with a genuine love for God and a commitment to serving others. He passed away on May 23, 1764, at Trinita dei Pellegrini, Italy, due to multiple strokes. Initially, his relics were placed at Saints Trinita church, but in 1965, they were translated to the Saint John Baptist Rossi parish church in Rome, Italy. Saint Giovanni Battista Rossi was beatified on May 13, 1860, by Blessed Pope Pius IX and canonized on December 8, 1881, by Pope Leo XIII. Although he does not have any specific patronages attributed to him, his life and teachings continue to inspire many to this day.