Blessed Maria Anna Sala

Biography

Blessed Maria Anna Sala, also known as Maria Anna of Jesus, was born on 21 April 1829 in Brivio, Italy. She was the fifth child of Giovanni and Giovannina Sala, born into a devout and pious family. Maria received her education in the convent school, which was run by the Sisters of Saint Marcellina in Vimercate, Italy.

From a young age, Maria felt a strong calling to join the Sisters, but due to her family's needs, she returned home to help. She dedicated herself to supporting her family and fulfilling her familial obligations. However, after her family responsibilities were fulfilled in 1848, Maria made the decision to finally answer her calling and rejoined the Sisters of Saint Marcellina.

On 13 September 1852, Maria made her religious profession and officially became a nun. She devoted the next four decades of her life to teaching at Marcellina schools in various locations, including Cernusco, Chambery, Genoa, and Milan. Maria's dedication to her students and her unwavering devotion to Christ left a lasting impact on those she encountered.

In 1883, Maria was diagnosed with throat cancer; however, she chose to keep this information to herself and continued her work for another eight years. Despite her severe pain and trying circumstances, Maria’s quiet dignity remained unshaken, and her devotion to Christ only grew stronger.

Maria Anna Sala passed away on 24 November 1891 in Milan, Italy, succumbing to her battle with throat cancer. Remarkably, when her Cause for Beatification was introduced in 1920, Maria's remains were found to be incorrupt, a sign of her holiness and closeness to God.

Recognizing her virtues and the impact she had on others, Pope Paul VI declared Maria Anna Sala venerable on 14 April 1977. Her beatification followed on 26 October 1980, as Pope John Paul II elevated her to the rank of Blessed Maria Anna Sala.

Throughout the process of beatification, everyone involved highlighted Maria's perseverance, unwavering devotion to Christ, and the immense dignity she displayed, even in the face of severe pain. Blessed Maria Anna Sala continues to inspire and serve as a model of faith and dedication to all those who encounter her story.