Saint Mary Di Rosa

Biography

Saint Mary Di Rosa, also known as Maria Crocifissa, Mary Crucifixa, Paola di Rosa, Paula Frances Mary di Rosa, Paola Francesca Maria, and Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa, was born on 6 November 1813 in Brescia, Italy. She was one of nine children born to Clement di Rosa, an industrialist, and Countess Camilla Albani. In her upbringing, Mary was fortunate to grow up in a happy and pious family. Mary received her education from the Visitandine nuns, who played a significant role in her spiritual formation. However, tragedy struck when her mother passed away when she was only seventeen years old. Following her mother's death, Mary left school to assist her father in managing the family's estate. Despite having suitors interested in her hand, Mary had a burning desire to devote her life to God as a religious. She turned down several marriage proposals and poured her energy into serving her community. Mary worked tirelessly with young girls who labored in her father's mills and dedicated herself to caring for the sick in local hospitals, including during the devastating cholera epidemic of 1836. Driven by her compassionate heart, Mary founded a home that catered to the spiritual needs of young girls and established a school specifically for deaf children. Her commitment to charity and love for others were evident in everything she did. In 1840, Mary became the superior of the Handmaids of Charity, a religious community dedicated to serving the sick. Taking on the name Mary Crucifixa, she led the community with great devotion and zeal. They received official approval from their bishop in 1843 and papal approval in 1850. Mary continued to guide and inspire her fellow sisters until her untimely death. On 15 December 1855, Mary Di Rosa passed away in Brescia, Italy, succumbing to natural causes. Her profound impact on the lives of others and her unwavering commitment to the service of God and the most vulnerable earned her recognition for her exceptional virtues. Pope Pius XI officially declared her venerable on 10 July 1932, acknowledging her heroic virtues. On 26 May 1940, Pope Pius XII beatified Mary Di Rosa, recognizing her as blessed. Finally, on 12 June 1954, Pope Pius XII canonized her as a saint, cementing her place among the revered saints of the Catholic Church. Saint Mary Di Rosa's life serves as an inspiration to all, a testimony of love, selflessness, and dedication to serving God and His people. Her legacy lives on as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact one person can have in making a difference in the world.