Blessed Costanza Starace

Biography

Blessed Costanza Starace, also known as Maria Maddalena della Passione, was born on 5 September 1845 in Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, Italy. From an early age, Costanza's life was consecrated to Our Lady of Sorrows. She was sent to a boarding school run by the Daughters of Charity in Castellammare di Stabia, where she received her education.

As a young girl, Costanza felt a strong attraction to the religious life; however, due to poor health, she was forced to return to her parents' home. There, she was provided with a tutor who not only aided in her studies but also guided her in developing a regular prayer life.

In her teenage years, Costanza attempted to enter religious life twice, but her fragile constitution prevented her from persevering. Nonetheless, she remained steadfast in her desire to serve God and, on 18 June 1867, she became a Servite tertiary, taking the name Sister Mary Magdalene of the Passion.

Sister Mary Magdalene's dedication and spiritual gifts caught the attention of her bishop, who appointed her to lead the Pious Union of the Daughters of Mary. In this role, she enthusiastically taught catechism to young people, nurturing their faith and instilling a sense of devotion.

During a period marked by unfortunate cholera outbreaks that ravaged her community, Sister Mary Magdalene witnessed immense suffering and encountered numerous orphans. Motivated by compassion, she gathered like-minded women to form a group aimed at assisting these survivors. This group eventually grew into the Suore Compassioniste Serve di Maria (Compassionist Sisters Servants of Mary), which received provisional approval on 27 May 1871. Despite continuously battling her own health issues, Mother Mary Magdalene dedicated her life to leading the Sisters and serving those in need.

Blessed Costanza Starace faced recurring health problems throughout the remaining 50 years of her life, but her determination to fulfill God's will never wavered. She led the Compassionist Sisters Servants of Mary with great strength and love, guiding them in their mission of mercy and compassion.

On 13 December 1921, Blessed Costanza Starace passed away in Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, from pneumonia. Her remains were later re-interred at the shrine of the Sacred Heart in Scanzano, Italy, on 19 August 1929. Recognizing her exemplary life of holiness, Pope John Paul II venerated her on 7 July 2003.

Finally, on 15 April 2007, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Costanza Starace, celebrating her recognition in the cathedral of Castellammare di Stabia, Italy. This joyful event was presided over by Cardinal Jose Martins Sarajva, honoring the remarkable life of Blessed Costanza Starace, who dedicated herself to imitating Christ's compassion and mercy.