02/08/2026
We celebrate today the feast of St Justin Maria Russolillo (1891-1955). St Justin is the founder of the Society of Divine Vocations.
Saint Justin Russolillo was born on 18 January 1891 in the town of Pianura (Naples). He experienced the hardships faced by young men who desired to become priests but lacked the financial means to do so. For this reason, on the very day of his priestly ordination, he solemnly promised the Lord that he would found a work to help young men pursue their vocation to the priesthood.
On 20 September 1920, he was appointed Parish Priest of “San Giorgio” Parish of Pianura, where he served for thirty-five years until his death. On 18 October of the same year, together with some of the most committed young men who had already been following him, he founded the Society of Divine Vocations (also known as the Vocationist Fathers). Then, on 2 October 1921, he founded the Sisters of Divine Vocations (the Vocationist Sisters), formed by several young women for whom he served as spiritual director. He also envisioned a secular institute for women, which was established after his death under the name Vocationist Apostles of Universal Sanctification.
He was beatified on 7 May 2011 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI and canonized by Pope Francis on 15 May 2022.
He kept the vow he professed on the day of his ordination, and spent his life for vocations. He preached and wrote extensively on vocations, focussing on the relationship of each soul with the Holy Trinity, as well as the universal call to holiness. His feast reminds us of the importance of praying for all vocations and for our sanctification.
St Justin Maria Russolillo, pray for us.