Blessed Giuseppina Catanea

Biography

Blessed Giuseppina Catanea, also known as Pinella, was born on 18 February 1894 in Italy. She was born into the Italian nobility and from a young age, she displayed a deep piety and care for the poor. Giuseppina had a strong devotion to Mary and the Eucharist, always seeking opportunities to pray the rosary.

In 1912, Giuseppina was diagnosed with angina pectoris, a heart condition that would later be followed by spinal tuberculosis. Despite her health challenges, she remained steadfast in her faith and turned to prayer for strength. Her condition gradually worsened, eventually confining her to a wheelchair.

Against the objections of her family, Giuseppina made the decision to join the Carmelites on 10 March 1918. It was during this time that she experienced two visions of Saint Francis Xavier, and after the second vision, she was miraculously cured on 26 June 1922. News of this miraculous healing spread quickly, drawing people from all over the region to seek her guidance and learn from her.

In 1932, Giuseppina received approval from Pope Pius XI to establish a cloistered house of Discalced Carmelites. Taking the name Sister Maria Giuseppina of Jesus Crucified, she made her solemn profession on 6 August 1932. She served as sub-prioress in 1934 and continued to write an autobiography and spiritual journal, as instructed by her spiritual director, for the benefit of her fellow sisters.

Despite facing further health challenges, including multiple sclerosis and the loss of her eyesight, Giuseppina remained steadfast in her commitment to her religious life and the service of others. Her spiritual journey and unwavering perseverance inspired those around her.

In recognition of her saintly virtues, Giuseppina was venerated on 3 January 1987 by Pope John Paul II, who declared her as having lived a life of heroic virtue. She was beatified on 1 June 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI, with a special ceremony held at the Cathedral in Naples, Italy, presided over by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe.

Blessed Giuseppina Catanea, also known as Sister Maria Giuseppina of Jesus Crucified and by her childhood nickname Pinella, passed away on 14 March 1948 in Naples, Italy, due to natural causes. Her feast day is celebrated on 14 March, and on some calendars, it is also observed on 26 June, the anniversary of her miraculous healing.