Born at La Colla, Italy, October 31, 1825
Taking of the habit at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, July 15, 1846
Oblation at Notre-Dame de l’Osier, July 16, 1847 (no. 174)
Ordination to the priesthood at Marseilles, June 27, 1852
Died at La Colla, March 24, 1855.

Jean-Baptiste Rossi was born October 31, 1825 at La Colla, diocese of Ventimiglia, Italy. He entered the novitiate at Notre-Dame de l’Osier on July 15, 1846 where he made his oblation July 16, 1847. He was admitted to vows by the General Council on July 7, 1847. In the report from that session, we read: “This young man is not far advanced in his studies; it would be difficult for him to take the courses in philosophy. He is averagely gifted, but he has a prayer life, a docile character, a great attachment to the Congregation and several good qualities which allow us to deem him suited for the religious life.”

After five years of study at the major seminary at Marseilles, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop de Mazenod on June 25, 1852 and immediately sent to Vico as treasurer and mission preacher in Corsica. In 1854, illness compelled him to take some rest. He returned to his family home to die. Father Casimir Aubert, provincial of Midi, communicated this news to the Oblates and stated that he died of “pulmonary consumption brought on by the exercise of an overextended zeal and the wear and tear of the ministry of preaching missions. It was on March 24 [1855] that he rendered his soul to God after having received all the comforts of his faith and having constantly edified those around him by his unshakeable patience in his suffering and his perfect resignation to the will of God.”

Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.