Blessed Mikael Gabra
Blessed Mikael Gabra (born about 1791 AD in Ethiopia; died September 1, 1855 AD in Ethiopia) was an Ethiopian priest, monk, and scholar who, converting to Catholic communion under the influence of Saint Justin de Jacobis, became a Vincentian (Lazarist) and died a martyr during the persecution of Catholics in Ethiopia. Also known as Ghebre Michael, he is venerated as a Blessed and martyr of the Church. His feast day is August 30.
A learned and revered teacher of the Ethiopian tradition, Mikael Gabra embraced full communion with the Catholic Church after long searching, and endured imprisonment, chains, and cruel treatment rather than renounce his faith. He was beatified in 1926.
Stored in Cargo: Blessed Mikael Gabra
| Blessed Mikael Gabra | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | August 30 |
| Profession | Priest; monk; scholar; Vincentian; martyr |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians / Lazarists) |
| Patronage | The Church in Ethiopia; those persecuted for the faith |
| Attributes | Palm of martyrdom; chains |
| Birthplace | Ethiopia |
| Death Place | Ethiopia |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; died of the sufferings of imprisonment during persecution in Ethiopia |
| Primary Shrine | Ethiopia |
Biography
Mikael Gabra (Ghebre Michael) was born about 1791 in Ethiopia. He became a monk of the Ethiopian tradition and won renown as a scholar and teacher, deeply learned in Scripture and in the theological and doctrinal disputes that troubled the Ethiopian Church of his day. Sincere in his search for the truth, he traveled and studied widely, seeking to resolve the questions that divided his people.
His path brought him into contact with the Vincentian missionary Justin de Jacobis, whose holiness, learning, and charity profoundly impressed him. After a long period of study and reflection, Mikael entered into full communion with the Catholic Church and eventually joined the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians or Lazarists). He devoted himself to teaching and to forming clergy, laboring for the good of the Ethiopian Catholic community.
When a fierce persecution of Catholics broke out under the ruler of the country, Mikael Gabra was arrested and pressed to renounce his Catholic faith. He refused steadfastly, and for this he was loaded with chains, dragged from place to place, and subjected to great hardship and cruelty. Worn out by his sufferings, he died in captivity on September 1, 1855, a martyr. He was beatified on October 3, 1926, by Pope Pius XI. His feast is kept on August 30.
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Feast day
August 30
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