Birth: May 4, 1883 – Pontecorvo, Italy
Death: November 18, 1902 – Ceccano, Italy
Beatified: January 29, 1995 – Pope John Paul II
Feast Day: November 18
Patronage: Youth and seminarians
Blessed Grimoaldo Santamaria was born into a devout Italian family and joined the Passionist Congregation as a teenager, taking the name Brother Grimoaldo of the Purification. He was known for his deep prayer life, purity and kindness, as well as his love for the Passion of Christ and devotion to Mary.
Though young, he was admired by his fellow seminarians and superiors for his joyful spirit and spiritual maturity. Shortly before he was to be ordained a priest, he contracted meningitis and died at just 19 years old. His life of holiness in such a short time left a lasting impression.
