Gennaro Maria Sarnelli was an Italian priest and missionary born in Naples in 1702. A dedicated member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he was an early companion of Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori. After initially studying law and earning a doctorate, he felt a calling to the priesthood while serving the sick in a hospital. He became known for his intense apostolic zeal, working to assist the poor, catechize children, and protect young women from prostitution, despite facing threats from criminals.