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"In the south Italian province of Basilicata lies the little town of Lauria in the diocese of Policastro. Here was born on November 20, 1770, the Blessed Dominic Lentini. On account of the extreme poverty of his parents the boy met with great difficulties in completing his studies. After his ordination Lentini became a professor in the Lyceum of his native town. He strove particularly to enlighten the young as to the false principles of the philosophy of the day by means of many discourses of a philosophy-apologetic kind.
In 1779 a liberty tree had been erected in Lauria. When the revolution reached its climax, the cooler hears desired to pull it down, but a crowd of furious revolutionists ranged themselves before it, ready to strike down any one who should dare to touch it. A great uproar ensued. Then the young priest Lentini stepped out before the crowd and resolutely ordered them to pull down the tree and bring it to the nearest hill. They involuntary obeyed him. Then he mad them fashion the wood into a cross and raise it aloft. Beneath it he addressed them with burning eloquence, telling them: "This is the tree of freedom and of salvation. We shall honor no other." Contrite and with hearts redeemed to the ancient Faith, the crowd dispersed. Lentini died on February 16, 1828. His grave continually attarcts many pilgrims because of the extraordinary things which take place there."

Source: The Holiness of the Church in the Nineteenth Century: Saintly Men and Women of our own times ... By Rev. Fr. Konstantin Kempf, S.J.

"Priest of the Diocese of Tursi-Lagonegro (formerly Policastro); b. Nov. 20, 1770, at Lauria, Potenza, Italy;d. there Feb. 25, 1828. The youngest of the five children of Macario Lentini and Rosalia Vitarella, Domenico (Dominic) Lentini studied in the seminary at Salerno and was ordained in 1794. In addition to his ministry in Lauria, he taught literature, philosophy, and theology to young people in his home without monetary compensation. He preached and catechized throughout the diocese and spread the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. He is called the "precursor to the Curé d'Ars" (St. John vianney) because of his willingness to make himself available to hear confessions and his gift of reading hearts. He practiced personal austerity in order to provide charity to the poor, and frequent penances in the spirit of reparation. Lentini was beatified on Oct. 12, 1997 by Pope John Paul II."

Source: Encyclopedia.com

Biography: Blessed Dominic Lentini

Prayer:

O blessed Domenico Lentini listen to the prayers of supplication that we bring you, trusting in your intercession.
Help us turn our life towards the Lord, to seek in everything, His taste, His will and His glory.
You were in love with the Crucifix, teach us the way of brotherly love.
Watch over our families, that they may be a place of prayer, peace and life.
Arouse in the hearts of young people the desire to follow Christ and to serve Him in His Church.
Be a refuge, comfort and hope for those experiencing suffering in body and spirit.
Give us, following your example, the ability to abandon ourselves in the hands and heart of the Sorrowful Virgin,
to proceed safely towards eternal life, the final destination of our pilgrimage, where you await us.
Obtain for us the grace that we need the most. Amen

Translated from the Italian with the help of DC