Blessed Mary Assunta

Biography

Biography of Blessed Mary Assunta, also known as Assunta Maria Liberta; Maria Assunta Pallotta:

Blessed Mary Assunta, born as Assunta Maria Liberta, was the daughter of Luigi Pallotta and Eufrasia Casali. She was baptized on 21 August 1878 in Castello di Croce, in the Marches of Ancona, Italy. At a young age, she received the sacrament of Confirmation on 7 July 1880.

Although Mary Assunta briefly attended school in 1884 to learn how to read and write, she didn't receive any further formal education. However, she possessed a deep spiritual inclination that would guide her path toward a life of dedication and selflessness.

On 2 March 1897, Mary Assunta suddenly experienced a profound understanding of her calling to religious life. This revelation led her to join the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Rome, Italy. She made her first vows with the congregation on 5 May 1898, committing herself to a life of service and mission.

In pursuit of her vocation, Mary Assunta relocated to Florence, Italy, on 3 January 1902. During this time, she continued to deepen her spiritual devotion and embrace the charisms of the Franciscan way of life. Filled with a burning desire to offer her assistance and care to those in need, Mary Assunta expressed her wish to work at a leper colony in China.

On 1 January 1904, Mary Assunta humbly submitted a request to go to China, where she could serve the afflicted at a leper colony. Her request was granted, and on 19 March 1904, she departed from Naples, Italy, arriving in Tong-Eul-Keou on 18 June. Immediately, she engaged in her mission, serving as a cook at the orphanage located in Tong-Eul-Keou.

Tragically, in early April 1905, an outbreak of deadly typhus swept through the house, threatening the lives of many. Witnessing one of her sisters in the congregation on the brink of death, Mary Assunta selflessly offered herself in exchange for the life of her sister. Miraculously, her prayer was granted, and Mary Assunta succumbed to the disease, passing away at Tong-Eul-Keou on 7 April 1905.

Following her death, a mysterious and fragrant perfume permeated the house for three consecutive days, signaling something extraordinary. Later, on 23 April 1913, her body was found to be incorrupt, meaning it did not decay. Remarkably, although the burial robes had disintegrated, her body remained intact. In a touching tribute, thirty men carried her coffin 28 miles to its final resting place at Tai Yan-Fou, China.

Blessed Mary Assunta's life of devotion, sacrifice, and heroic love for the sick and suffering earned her veneration. She was subsequently beatified by Pope Pius XII on 7 November 1954 at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. Her exemplary life continues to inspire and serves as a testament to the power of faith and selflessness in the service of others.