Foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception of Ivrea (1773-1838)
Her life
+ Antonia Maria was born in Pasquaro di Rivarolo Canvese, Italy. She felt called to religious life at a young age and helped to teach catechism to the children of her village.
+ After completing her education, she became a teacher and, in 1806, she established a new religious community dedicated to teaching and catechesis: the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception of Ivrea. In time, the sisters also began to care for the sick in their own homes.
+ The rule of life for the sisters was approved in 1828 and Antonia Maria dedicated the rest of her life to furthering the work of the community and in caring for children.
+ Blessed Antonia Maria Verna died on December 25, 1838, and was beatified in 2011.
For reflection
“Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.”—1 Corinthians 12:28
Prayer
O God, who raised up blessed Antonia Maria in your Church to show others the way of salvation, grant us, by her example, so to follow Christ the master, that we may come with our neighbor into your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Men and Women—For Educators)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...