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Blessed Grimoaldo of the Purification: Soul of Generosity
(1883-1902)
Since the Passionists are known for devoting themselves to Christ Crucified and Our Lady of Sorrows, I thought it appropriate during this Lenten season, to look at the life of Bl. Grimoaldo of the Purification, a Passionist seminarian who was beatified in 1995.
Ferdinand Santamaria, who took the name Grimoaldo when he entered the seminary, was born at Pontecorvo Italy in 1883. His parents, devout Catholics, sowed deep within his heart the spiritual seeds of faith, hope and charity. Over time these seeds began to sprout and grow and eventually blossomed into a religious vocation.
In 1899, Ferdinand entered the Passionist novitiate, but after three years he succumbed to meningitis and died in 1902. Though his religious life was short in earthly years, it bore great eternal fruit.
Grimoaldo's brief life as a Passionist was courageous and intense. In fact, following his death many people said that he resembled another Passionist who died at a young age - "St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother." There are numerous similarities between the two saints, but one similarity that stands out is how both young men practiced holy generosity within the monastery.
Grimoaldo was known for helping his fellow brothers within the monastery with their chores, even though he had his own tasks to accomplish. He would never turn away anyone who asked for help nor would he complain about the work he was asked to do or volunteered to help with. He always performed his duties and chores with a smile on his face and a prayer on his lips.
It would be safe to say that Bl. Grimoaldo was a generous soul. His faithfulness and generosity to the little ordinary things that God placed before him daily was heroic. In fact, his spiritual life mirrored St. Therese's little way - doing little things with great love. His constant generosity revealed the intense love burning within his heart for both God and neighbor.
Unfortunately, many Catholics today who hear the word "generosity" instantly think about giving money to their parish or a charitable organization. This is a great way to be generous, but not the only way. For Bl. Grimoaldo, generosity was about giving his time and prayers to those in need. He never counted the cost when helping others, but did "only" what was pleasing in the sight of God
Because generosity is one of the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit, it is an important virtue to cultivate and practice. Therefore, let us turn to Bl. Grimoaldo of the Purification by following his example and making generosity a priority in our lives during this last month of Lent.
Bl. Grimoaldo of the Purification, help us to be generous within the ordinary occurrences of daily life. Amen.
God bless!
Blessed Grimoaldo's feast day is November 18.
For further reading about Blessed Grimoaldo visit:
The Passionist.org - Bl. Grimoaldo
EWTN.com - Homily by Pope John Paul II at Beatification (1/29/05)