Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo

Biography

Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo, also known as Justin, was born on 18 January 1891 in Pianura, Naples, Italy. From a young age, he displayed a strong devotion to his faith and a deep desire to serve God. This devotion led him to study at the seminary of Pozzuoli, Italy, where he excelled academically and was noted for his personal piety. After completing his studies, Giustino Maria Russolillo was ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Pozzuoli on 20 September 1913. He began his priestly ministry as a parish priest in Pianura, Italy, where he dedicated himself to serving his community with great zeal and compassion. It was during this time that he founded the Society of Divine Vocations, also known as the Vocationists, in 1919. The Society of Divine Vocations aimed to support and encourage individuals discerning a calling to the priesthood and religious life. Under Saint Giustino's leadership, the Vocationists grew in numbers and soon expanded their work to other parts of the world. Today, the Society continues its mission in Italy, France, Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Madagascar, Colombia, and Ecuador, providing guidance and formation to those seeking to answer God's call. Throughout his life, Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo demonstrated extraordinary virtue and holiness. He was admired for his deep spirituality, selfless love, and unwavering commitment to God. His humility, simplicity, and dedication to the service of others made him a shining example of what it means to live a life of faith. Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo passed away on 2 August 1955 in his hometown of Pianura, Naples, Italy, from natural causes. He was initially buried there but was later re-interred at the Vocationist mother-house in Pianura on 14 April 1956. Recognizing his exemplary life of virtue and his contribution to the promotion of vocations, Pope John Paul II declared Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo's heroic virtues on 18 December 1997. This marked an important step in the process of his canonization. On 7 May 2011, Pope Benedict XVI beatified him, acknowledging a miraculous healing that occurred in 1998, when a 59-year-old woman was cured of carcinoma. However, it was during the pontificate of Pope Francis that Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo was finally canonized, on 15 May 2022. The canonization miracle involved the healing of a young Vocationist religious who suffered from various severe conditions, including epilepsy, seizures, serious rhabdomyolysis, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and was even in a coma at the time. This miraculous healing was seen as a testament to Saint Giustino's intercession and his ongoing presence in the lives of those who support and follow the path of vocations. Saint Giustino Maria Russolillo's life and legacy continue to inspire countless individuals around the world. His example of faithfulness, sacrifice, and dedication to God's call serves as an enduring source of encouragement and guidance for all who seek to deepen their own spiritual journey and discern their vocation in life.