Birth: June 22, 1792 – Viterbo, Italy
Death: August 27, 1849 – Reading, England
Beatified: October 27, 1963 by Pope Paul VI
Feast Day: August 26
Patronage: Christian Unity, conversions to the Catholic faith and Passionist missions in England
Blessed Dominic Barberi was an Italian Passionist priest with a deep love for the Passion of Christ and a strong call to bring the Catholic faith to England. Despite many obstacles, he was sent there as a missionary in 1841. Though he faced prejudice and hardship, he preached tirelessly and became known for his kindness, humility and powerful sermons.
His most famous spiritual accomplishment was receiving John Henry Newman, the Anglican priest and theologian, into the Catholic Church in 1845—an event that deeply impacted the Catholic revival in England. Dominic died in 1849, leaving behind a legacy of faith, unity and evangelization.
Learn more about Blessed Dominic Barberi from the General Curia of the Passionists in Rome