Blessed Bartolo Longo: An Apostle of the Rosary
Many saints speak to us about the rosary with fervor and love. Pope John Paul II, upon discovering the life of Bartolo Longo, an Italian lawyer from Puglia, decided to proclaim him an apostle of the rosary. The Polish pope cites him several times in his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin since his conversion, he dedicated all his energy to building the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii.
The Life of Blessed Bartolo Longo
Bartolo Longo was born on February 10, 1841, in Puglia, a region in southern Italy. He grew up in a devout family, but unfortunately, when he was just 10 years old, his mother passed away. Following this painful ordeal, Bartolo drifted away from the faith to the point of joining satanism. At the age of 16, he decided to pursue studies to become a lawyer.
However, at the University of Naples, young Bartolo indulged in all sorts of things, straying far from what his family had taught him.
From Satan to Christ
Drugs, alcohol, cults, and satanism: this is how Bartolo spent his time as a student. At 20, he participated in an occult ceremony and became a satanist. These practices gradually became a source of anxiety, even paranoia. His family, saddened to see him lost, prayed for him tirelessly. One night, he heard the voice of his mother urging him to return to the path of faith, the only path to happiness. Supported by the powerful prayers of his family, his journey mirrored that of Saint Augustine, who returned to the faith through his mother's prayers.
Apostle of Our Lady
After that night, he sought to return to the path of goodness. In this journey, he was helped by various people, including a Dominican priest. He decided to join the Dominican Third Order while remaining a layperson. One day, overwhelmed and desperate, he went to Pompeii. At noon, he felt a pressing call to spread the rosary upon hearing the bells ring: "If you spread the rosary, you will be saved!" He decided never to leave Pompeii and to build a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady.
The Work of Bartolo Longo
The Confraternity of the Holy Rosary
In 1872, Bartolo became aware of his mission as an apostle of the rosary. He set to work to restore the church in Pompeii, later naming it Our Lady of the Rosary. To rebuild this church, donations first came from Italy and then from elsewhere. He founded the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, a gathering of people desiring to pray to the Virgin. This model was similar to the Living Rosary of Pauline Jaricot in France. He wrote and established the devotion of the 15 Saturdays centered around the rosary. He also wrote the Supplication to Our Lady of the Rosary, a prayer still recited today and approved by Pope Leo XIII.
Works of Charity
In addition to his work to spread the rosary, the lawyer Bartolo Longo met a widowed countess in Pompeii with five young children. Bartolo Longo became friends with Countess Fusco, to the point of sparking rumors. Desiring to obey the vow of chastity, he sought advice from his spiritual father and married the countess while continuing to live chastely. Together, they founded an orphanage. Countess Fusco and he were deeply concerned about underprivileged children and their future. They also established an institution for juvenile prisoners to ensure their education. They first welcomed boys and later girls. Among these children, some entered religious life. Bartolo Longo began his foundations in 1887 and continued them until his death in 1926 at the age of 85, with "intrepid courage," as Pope John Paul II noted during his beatification on October 26, 1980.
Prayers and Quotes from Blessed Bartolo Longo
Quotes on the Rosary
"Just as two friends who often meet together end up resembling each other even in their way of life, so too we, by speaking familiarly with Jesus and the Virgin, through the meditation of the Mysteries of the Rosary, and by forming together one life through Communion, can become, as far as our lowliness allows, like them and learn from their sublime examples to live humbly, poorly, hiddenly, patiently, and perfectly."
"Whoever spreads the holy Rosary is saved."
Prayer to the Virgin
"O Immaculate Virgin and Queen of the Holy Rosary, in these times when faith is dead and impiety triumphs, You have chosen to establish Your throne as Queen and Mother on the ancient land of Pompeii, once a dwelling of dead pagans. And from this place where idols and demons were worshipped, You, today, as the Mother of Divine Grace, pour out everywhere the treasures of Heaven's Mercy! Ah! From this throne where You reign, full of pity, cast a kind glance upon me too, O Mary, and take pity on me, who am so much in need of Your help. As You have revealed Yourself to so many others, show Yourself to me also as a true Mother of Mercy: 'Monstra Te esse Matrem!' while I wholeheartedly greet and invoke You, my Sovereign and Queen of the Most Holy Rosary! Amen."
With Hozana, Pray the Rosary and Become an Apostle of the Rosary
If you wish to be an apostle of the rosary, you can join Hozana and participate in various communities.
Following Bartolo Longo or Pauline Jaricot, you can join
. Spreading this prayer fills the heart of the Virgin Mary with joy.You can also join a community that inspires you to pray the rosary every week.
You are also invited to join a community that allows you to
.