Saint Maria Francesca Rubatto

Biography

Saint Maria Francesca Rubatto, also known as Anna Maria Rubatto, Madre Rubatto, Maria Francesca of Jesus, and Maria Francesca di Gesù, was born on 14th February 1844 in Carmagnola, Turin, Italy. Tragically, Anna Maria lost her father when she was just four years old, facing an early experience of loss in her life. Despite this, she grew up and developed a deep spiritual calling. In her teens, Anna Maria received a marriage proposal from a local notary. However, instead of accepting, she chose to make a vow of virginity, dedicating herself to a life of service to God and others. This decision marked the beginning of her spiritual journey and commitment to a life of religious devotion. Sadly, Anna Maria faced another significant loss when her mother passed away when she was 19 years old. Following this, she moved to Turin where she became friends with Marianna Scoffone, an Italian noblewoman. Marianna supported Anna Maria as she engaged in various charitable activities, such as visiting parishes, teaching catechism to children, and caring for the sick in hospitals. Additionally, Anna Maria dedicated her efforts to helping the poor and neglected within the community. Tragedy struck one morning after Mass at the Capuchin church in Loano, Italy when a stone fell from a nearby convent under construction, injuring a young worker. Anna Maria, also known as Maria Francesca, took it upon herself to clean the wound and provided the injured man with financial support to aid his recovery. This incident served as a significant turning point in Maria Francesca's life as the sisters at the convent believed it to be a sign that she was meant to be their spiritual guide. Encouraged by Father Angelico Martini, a Capuchin priest, Maria Francesca eventually decided to enter the community. After a year, she joined the sisters in the house, taking the name Sister Maria Francesca of Jesus. Bishop Filippo Allegro appointed her as the superior and formation director of the group, establishing the Institute of the Capuchin Sisters of Mother Rubatto. In 1892, Sister Maria Francesca and several sisters embarked on a missionary journey to Montevideo, Uruguay. From there, they expanded their apostolate into Uruguay and Argentina, working tirelessly to spread the message of Christianity. Maria Francesca's dedication to the mission was reflected in her numerous transatlantic trips, crossing to the Americas seven times. During one of these journeys, Maria Francesca and six sisters were asked to establish a mission in the rainforest. They stayed at the mission for three months, collaborating with Capuchin friars from Milan, Italy. Tragically, on 13th March 1901, Sister Maria Francesca, the Capuchin missionaries, and many faithful individuals were martyred at this location. Their commitment to their faith led to their ultimate sacrifice. Following her death, Maria Francesca Rubatto's legacy lived on. She was venerated on 1st September 1988 by Pope John Paul II, who recognized her martyrdom through a decree. Her beatification took place on 10th October 1993, also by Pope John Paul II. The beatification miracle involved the miraculous healing of a boy who was suffering from septic shock following a tonsillectomy in April 1939. Finally, Saint Maria Francesca Rubatto was canonized on 15th May 2022 by Pope Francis. The canonization miracle centered around the healing of a young man from Montevideo, Uruguay, who was in a coma due to a severe head injury sustained in April 2000. Saint Maria Francesca Rubatto's life serves as an inspiration to devote oneself to God's service, dedicating one's life to helping others and spreading the message of love and compassion throughout the world. Her commitment to a life of selflessness and sacrifice continues to inspire believers to this day.