Ferdinand (Grimwaldo) Santamaria was an Italian Passionist monk who died at only 19 years of age. His mother’s wisdom and the ideals of the Passionist Fathers developed in young Grimwald a mature holiness that made him a good example to both youth and adults. To all he was simple, ordinary, and accessible; but he himself marched to a heavenly drum.

After his death, his widowed mother, Cecilia Ruscio Santamaria, moved from Italy to Rochester. In passing her last years with her daughter Mrs. Vincenzina Panella, Cecilia lived at 55 Stonewood St. in Rochester, and was a parishioner of Holy Cross. In 1933 she was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery from Holy Cross Church.

In 1995, Grimwald Santamaria was beatified, Blessed Grimwald, by Pope John Paul II. Because of his mother’s connection with the parish, Holy Cross is designated to host the celebration of the Feast of Blessed Grimwald.

Please pray that God’s graces will be abundant through blessed Grimwald’s intercession.