Father Salvatore Gambino was born in Altofonte, Palermo, on September 7, 1849, to Giacinto Gambino and Giuseppa Colella. He received the sacrament of baptism from father Salvatore Bonomo in the Parish of Santa Maria d’Altofonte.
His early education in both humanistic and Christian values, imparted within the familial context, served as the foundation for his vocational discernment and eventual entry into the Seminary of Monreale. There, he distinguished himself through his intellectual acumen, exemplary academic performance, and profound spiritual devotion.
On September 20, 1873, he was ordained a deacon, and one year later, on September 20, 1874, he was elevated to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Monreale, with Archbishop Giuseppe Maria Papardi presiding over the ceremony.
Father Gambino initially exercised his pastoral ministry in his hometown, but after approximately four years, he relocated to Palermo, where he began teaching Latin, Greek, and philosophy. It was during this period that he met Father Giacomo Cusmano and became closely involved with the Association of the ‘Morsel of the Poor’, an organization devoted to alleviating the suffering of the many impoverished individuals who filled the streets of Palermo.
In early 1881, he resigned from his teaching position at the Seminary of Palermo to devote himself entirely to the service of the poor, thereby embracing the role of a ‘Servant of the Poor.’ His exceptional compassion and dedicated service to the marginalized quickly earned him widespread recognition. He regularly visited the various charitable institutions established throughout Sicily, including those in Giarre, Agrigento, San Cataldo, and Valguarnera.
On November 21, 1887, in the presence of Cardinal Michelangelo Celesia, Father Giacomo Cusmano formally established the Congregation of the Missionary Servants of the Poor, during which each member received a crucifix as a symbol of their commitment. Father Salvatore Gambino was among the select group of priests who became the founding members of this Congregation.
Following the death of Father Giacomo Cusmano on March 14, 1888, the newly established Congregation entered a new phase of its development. Sensing that it was an opportune moment to expand Cusmano’s charism beyond the confines of Sicily, Father Gambino sought the requisite permissions from the newly appointed Superior General, Father Francesco Mammana, and initiated preparations for an extended mission.
On August 29, 1893, Father Gambino embarked for the United States, accompanied by several friars, three orphans, and two laborers. They arrived in New York on September 17 of that year. After spending a few months there, they proceeded further south to Yuma and Tucson. However, facing significant challenges in establishing his ministry and advancing the charism of the Congregation, Father Gambino decided to continue his mission even further south, eventually arriving in Chihuahua, Mexico. At that time, Mexico was in the midst of political unrest during the years of the Revolution.
Despite numerous challenges, Father Gambino was appointed as parish priest of the large parish of Santa Cruz de Rosales, which encompassed several surrounding villages. He faithfully served this community for approximately 20 years. In January 1914, due to an expulsion decree, he was compelled to leave Mexico and sought refuge in the United States, where he ministered in the town of Bisbee for nearly two years. In 1916, he returned to Chihuahua, Mexico, where he resumed his work caring for orphans and the elderly. Father Gambino passed away on March 8, 1927.
Father Salvatore Gambino was a prominent and exemplary figure, embodying the true spirit of discipleship as exemplified by Father Cusmano. He served as a living testament to the numerous Italian priests who, to this day, have followed in the footsteps of Christ across the Americas, imparting faith, courage, humility, and steadfast patience.
Communications Office
