Blessed Maria Ripamonti

Biography

Blessed Maria Ripamonti, also known as Sister Lucia of the Immaculata, Lucia dell’Immacolata, Lucia of Lecco, and Lucia Ripamonte, was born on May 26, 1909, in Acquate, Lecco, Italy. She was the youngest of four children in her family, and her father's name was Ferdinando. Maria was baptized when she was just four days old.

Growing up, Maria began working in a local spinning mill to help support her family. Despite the demands of her work, she remained active in her parish and dedicated to her faith. She tended to children, worked with Catholic Action, and became a close spiritual student of the parish priest, Father Luigi Piatti. It was during this time that Maria felt a strong calling to the religious life.

In 1932, Maria entered the Novitiate of the Handmaids of Charity in Brescia, Italy, taking on the religious name Lucia dell’Immacolata. She made her final profession in 1938, fully embracing her vocation as a Handmaid of Charity. Throughout her religious life, Sister Lucia developed a deep devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Maria Crocifissa di Rosa, finding inspiration and solace in their lives.

Sister Lucia actively served her community and the Church. She assisted visiting priests in conducting retreats and leading Spiritual Exercises, guiding others in their spiritual journey. Her humility, kindness, and dedication to her service were admired by all who knew her.

On July 4, 1954, Sister Lucia passed away in a hospital in Ronco, Brescia, Italy, due to natural causes. Her life of fidelity and holiness left a lasting impact on those around her.

Recognizing her virtues and the holiness of her life, Pope Francis declared her venerable on February 27, 2017. Following the recognition of her heroic virtues, Sister Lucia was beatified on October 23, 2021, by Pope Francis. The beatification ceremony took place in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Brescia, Italy, and was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro.

The beatification miracle associated with Blessed Maria Ripamonti involved a young girl named Irene Zanfino. On April 26, 1967, when Irene was just six years old, she was involved in a severe traffic accident in Bolzano, Italy, and was declared dead. However, through the intercession of Sister Lucia, Irene was miraculously healed, defying all medical expectations. Today, Irene is a nurse and a mother of three, living testament to the miraculous intercession of Blessed Maria Ripamonti.

Blessed Maria Ripamonti continues to inspire and intercede for those who seek her help. Her life of selflessness and dedication to God serves as an example of faith and love for the entire Catholic community. The faithful honor her and seek her intercession on her feast days, which are celebrated on July 4th and May 30th on some calendars.