De Rossi was born into a happy country family in Voltaggio, near Genoa. When he was 10 a wealthy Genoese couple, who had become enchanted by the boy on their holidays, persuaded his parents to let them take him home and have him properly educated.

In Genoa he so impressed some Capuchin monks that they arranged for him to go to Rome to study, where he lived with a cousin from his birth family who was a priest.

In spite of childhood ill health, he was ordained in 1721 and worked for 40 years among the sick and among homeless women and girls. His cousin left him a large house when he died which he gave over as a refuge for homeless women and prostitutes. He also worked as a prison chaplain and was famous as a confessor. He died following a stroke in 1763 and was canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. His saint's day is 23 May.

References

Dever, Maria, and Dever, Aileen. Relative Origins: Famous Foster and Adopted People. (Portland: National Book Company, 1992)
Wallace, Sr. Susan Helen. Saints for Young People for Every Day. (Daughters of St. Paul, 1995).

Indexes

European
Italy
17th Century
18th Century
Philanthropists
Christian
Medical Problems, Chronic Illness
School-age Years, Adolescence
For Companionship, or for Charitable Motives
Family Friends or Acquaintances
Priest, Religious, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Patron, Apprentice Master or Owner
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Parents Married (or Partnered) to Each Other