Blessed Leopoldina Naudet

Blessed Leopoldina Naudet, also known as Marie Madeleine, was born on 31 May 1773 in Florence, Italy. She was the daughter of a French father and a German mother. Leopoldina and her sister Louisa received their education in prestigious monasteries in Italy and France.

In 1789, Leopoldina and Louisa were appointed as tutors to the children of Grand Duke Leopold I in Florence. When the Grand Duke became emperor and the family moved to Vienna, the sisters accompanied them. During her time in Vienna, Leopoldina felt a growing call to religious life and began working with Saint Maddalena of Canossa, a renowned Catholic figure.

Responding to her vocation, Blessed Leopoldina founded the Sisters of the Holy Family on 9 November 1816. This order was dedicated to serving the needs of the poor and marginalized in society. Under her guidance, the Sisters of the Holy Family established schools, orphanages, and hospitals, providing essential services to those in need.

Blessed Leopoldina Naudet's life was marked by her devotion to the Catholic faith and her tireless service to the most vulnerable members of society. She exemplified the virtues of humility, compassion, and selflessness, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.

Pope Benedict XVI recognized her heroic virtues on 6 July 2007, and her beatification was celebrated on 29 April 2017 by Pope Francis. The beatification recognition took place in the Basilica of Sant’Anastasia in Verona, Italy, with Cardinal Angelo Amato presiding over the ceremony.

Blessed Leopoldina Naudet's legacy continues through the religious order she founded, and her inspiring life story serves as an example of faith and charity for believers around the world.