Saint Bartolo Longo – The Apostle of the Rosary

Feast Day: October 5 | Patronage: The Rosary, Pompeii

Once a priest of darkness, Bartolo Longo became one of the Church’s most radiant apostles of light. This ultra-lifelike, photorealistic portrait captures the moment of his redeemed faith—his eyes lifted toward Heaven, hands clasped around the Rosary that saved his soul. Behind him stands the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, bathed in golden light, while the Virgin Mary appears in ethereal glory, extending her maternal protection. The artwork embodies repentance, mercy, and the triumph of grace over despair.

Short Biography
Born in 1841 in Latiano, Italy, Bartolo Longo fell away from the faith during his university years and was ordained a priest of Satan. Tormented and lost, he encountered the mercy of Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the guidance of the Dominicans. Taking the name Rosario, he vowed to spend his life promoting the Rosary as a means of conversion and hope. He founded the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, transforming a desolate valley into a city of faith and charity. Bartolo died in 1926 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980.

Symbolism in the Art

• Rosary: Conversion and perseverance in prayer

• Golden Halo: Illumination by divine grace after repentance

• Shrine of Pompeii: Renewal of faith through works of mercy

• Virgin Mary in Light: The maternal intercession that led him back to Christ

Perfect For
Devotional displays, Marian prayer corners, Rosary groups, and those seeking hope in redemption.

Product Details

• Digital download only (no physical item)

• Format: High-resolution PNG

• Style: Hyper-photorealistic with subtle watercolor finish

• Dimensions: Portrait aspect ratio

• Features ornate golden halo (no text overlay)

Feast Day: October 5 | Patronage: The Rosary, Pompeii

Quote Featured:
“My only desire is to see Mary, who has saved me and who will save me from the clutches of Satan.” – Blessed Bartolo Longo