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Of the many sons of Vincent who have been exemplary in their vocation as Evangelisers of the Poor, some have been put forward for us to admire and take as a role model. Justin de Jacobis - great apostle of the Abyssinian people- (known today as the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia) is one of these. Justin was born in San Fele near Naples, Italy October 9, 1800. He was the seventh child of Maria Josefa Muccia and Jean Batiste de Jacobis, a family of many resources and deep Christian faith.
Justin entered the Congregation of the Mission in 1818 in Naples. His great humility made him think that he did not possess the necessary qualities for the priesthood, but thanks be to God, his superiors did and he was ordained a priest June 12, 1824 at the Cathedral in Brindisi, Italy. During his first years in the priesthood, his principal work was giving retreats to the laity and other local Priests and Sisters as well as parish missions. He also organized various charitable activities to assist the Poor.
He accomplished any task requested of him in a very humble manner and obediently accepted to serve in an office of responsibility within the Congregation of the Mission.
It is important to point out his work during the severe cholera epidemic that devastated Naples beginning at the end of 1836. He worked non-stop to help the sick, even to the point of risking his own life.
Abyssinia - Eritrea - Etiopea
In 1838 Cardinal Philippe Franzoni, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, had the opportunity to meet Justin while he was Superior at the Provincial House in Naples. Cardinal Franzoni talked to him about the needs in Abyssinia and beginning a Mission there. Justin agreed to go only on condition that his Superiors would be in agreement. The Congregation of the Mission received the mandate for the establishment of a Mission and on May 24, 1839, when he was 38 years old, Justin was sent to Abyssinia.
Justin, like the founder of the Congregation of the Mission, Vincent de Paul, allowed himself to be guided by the hand of Providence in evangelizing others.
The Lord gave Justin a rich insight into the country’s culture and traditions. He learned the language, lived with the people, and worked to improve relations on the local level.
He was a man ahead of the times in regards to inculturation for, in announcing the Gospel, he used the traditions and culture of the people. He was a magnificent precursor of ecumenical dialogue between Catholics and Coptic Christians.
For twenty years Justin give himself to the service of the Gospel in Abyssinia. He was an excellent mentor and formator of priests that laid the foundation for the local Catholic Church.
After much suffering and persecutions he died of a tropical fever on the side of a road near Halai in the Valley of Alighedien July 31, 1860.
He was beatified June 25, 1939 by Pius XII and was canonized October 26, 1975 by Paul VI.
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