Saint Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello

Biography

Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli, also known as Virginae Centurione Bracelli, was born on 2 April 1587 in Genoa, Italy, to Giorgio Centurione and Lelia Spinola. She grew up in a pious and devout family, where her religious inclinations were nurtured from a young age. However, due to her family's position and arrangements made by her father, Virginia agreed to an arranged marriage with Gasparo Grimaldi Bracelli on 10 December 1602. Unfortunately, Virginia's marriage was far from ideal. Her husband was known for his drinking and gambling habits, and he proved to be an absent father and husband. Despite this, Virginia bore him two daughters, Lelia and Isabella. Tragedy struck when Gasparo passed away on 13 June 1607, leaving Virginia widowed at the age of 20, with two young children to care for. Virginia moved in with her in-laws and devoted her time to raising her daughters and dedicating herself to prayer and charitable acts. As her daughters grew up and got married, Virginia directed her attention towards caring for the sick, aged, and abandoned children. In the years 1624 and 1625, war in the region resulted in numerous orphans, many of whom Virginia took into her care alongside her work with refugees in the town. In August 1625, Virginia's mother-in-law passed away, prompting her to create a refuge in her own house. This led to the founding of the Cento Signore della Misericordia Protettrici dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo. Virginia's house served as a refuge for those in need during the plague and famine in 1629-1630. To accommodate the growing number of people seeking assistance, Virginia rented the vacant convent of Monte Calvario and relocated her charges there in 1631. Due to overcrowding, additional housing was built in 1634, and Virginia found herself caring for around 300 patients. In 1635, she received official government recognition for her hospital. Virginia played an active role in the spiritual and vocational development of the young women under her care. She taught them religion and skills to earn a living. However, the expenses of Monte Calvario became excessive, prompting Virginia to buy two villas and begin construction on a church dedicated to Our Lady of Refuge. This church became the mother church of the Institution, and its Rule was established between 1644 and 1650. The Institution was divided into two congregations: the Suore di Nostra Signora del Rifugio di Monte Calvario (Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Calvary) and the Figlie di Nostra Signora al Monte Calvario (Daughters of Our Lady on Mount Calvary). In 1641, when the group of Protectors, the superiors and governors of the Institute, was selected, Virginia decided to retire from administration. She humbly took on the role of the lowest-ranking sister, performing menial tasks on the grounds and begging for alms to support the Institute. However, despite the success of the Institute in healing the sick, educating children, and rehabilitating those who had fallen astray, the support, both personal and financial, began to decline. Many from the middle and upper classes chose to distance themselves, fearing the rough and impoverished residents. Virginia, even though her health was deteriorating, returned to active administrative duties. She worked towards the spiritual development of the region, advocating for the selection of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patron of the republic of Genoa in 1637. She also played a role in instituting the Forty Hours' Devotion in 1642 and reviving home missions in 1643. Virginia acted as a peacemaker between noble houses and facilitated the reconciliation of Church and Republic authorities in 1647, ending a dispute that had arisen due to the government's withdrawal of support for the Institute. Virginia continued her work until the end of her days. In her later years, she began receiving visions and interior locutions, deepening her spiritual connection. She passed away on 15 December 1651, in Genoa, Italy, from natural causes. Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli was beatified on 22 September 1985 and canonized on 18 May 2003, both by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican Basilica. She is celebrated as the patron saint of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge in Mount Calvary. Her life is a testament to her unwavering dedication to serving the needy and marginalized, and her selfless devotion continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.