Beata María Fontanella

Blessed Mary Fontanella, also known as Mary of the Angels, Maria degli Angeli, and Maria Fontanella of the Angels, was born on 7 January 1661 in Balderino, Italy. She was born into nobility as one of the eleven children of Count Fontenella of Santena.

At the age of twelve, Mary made the decision to dedicate her life to God and joined the Cistercians at Saluzzo, Italy. However, her father passed away shortly after, and Mary returned home to fulfill her familial responsibilities. Despite the protests of her family, four years later, Mary joined the Carmelites in Turin, Italy.

Blessed Mary Fontanella was a woman of great spiritual depth and experienced visions and mystical encounters throughout her life. It is said that she was a victim of numerous demonic attacks, but her strong faith and devotion to God helped her overcome these challenges.

In 1691, at the age of 33, Mary was appointed as the novice mistress, responsible for guiding and instructing the novices entering the Carmelite order. Three years later, in 1694, she was elected as the prioress of the Carmelite community.

During her time as prioress, Blessed Mary Fontanella founded a Carmelite monastery at Moncalieri, Italy, where she nurtured a deep devotion to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Her dedication to Saint Joseph became well-known and remains one of her notable attributes.

Blessed Mary Fontanella lived a life filled with piety and holiness, serving as an inspiration to those around her. She dedicated herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and serving her community. Known for her humility and simplicity, she sought to imitate the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After a life devoted to her religious community and serving God, Mary Fontanella passed away on 16 December 1717 in Turin, Italy, from natural causes. She was beatified on 14 May 1865 by Pope Pius IX, who recognized her exemplary life and her profound impact on those who knew her.

Blessed Mary Fontanella, also called by the names Mary of the Angels, Maria degli Angeli, and Maria Fontanella of the Angels, continues to be venerated for her faith, piety, and devotion to God. Her feast day is celebrated on 16 December, a day that commemorates her holy life and the legacy she left as a Carmelite mystic and visionary.