Saint Mary Joseph Rosello

Biography

Saint Mary Joseph Rosello, also known as Benedetta Rossello, Benedicta Rossello, Josepha Rossello, Maria Giuseppe Rossello, Maria Joseph Rollo, and Sister Mary-Joseph, was born in poverty in Albissola Marina, Liguria, in the diocese of Savona, Italy in 1811. She was one of nine children, and her father worked as a potter to support the family. From an early age, Saint Mary Joseph had a devout and pious disposition. She aspired to enter a religious order, but her health issues and lack of dowry prevented her from being accepted. However, a childless couple she worked for recognized her piety and talent and wanted her to remain a part of their family. They could have provided her with a dowry, but out of selfishness, they chose not to. Despite this setback, Saint Mary Joseph remained steadfast in her calling to serve God. At the age of 16, Saint Mary Joseph became a Franciscan tertiary, which allowed her to live a religious life while remaining in the world. Her bishop soon became aware of her exceptional ability to teach the faith to young girls. Recognizing her talents, he provided her with a house in 1837. Together with three other young women, they transformed the house into two classrooms, thus laying the foundation for the Institute of the Daughters of Mercy. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mercy and Saint Joseph, the Institute grew rapidly and became dedicated to teaching and caring for the sick. Saint Mary Joseph accepted any deserving girl into the community, regardless of whether they had a dowry or not. Her compassionate approach drew many young women to join the Institute, and she served as the superior of the community of teachers for over four decades. In 1875, the Daughters of Mercy expanded their mission to the Americas and opened their first house in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This marked the beginning of their international presence and the continued growth of their mission to educate and care for the young and the sick. Saint Mary Joseph's success in her mission and her personal holiness led her bishop, despite strong objections from many, to allow her to organize a group that promoted vocations to the priesthood. This endeavor further demonstrated her deep devotion to God and her commitment to serving the Church. Saint Mary Joseph Rosello passed away on December 7, 1888, in Savona, Italy, due to natural causes. Her impact and legacy were so profound that she was beatified on November 6, 1938, by Pope Pius XI and canonized on June 12, 1949, by Pope Pius XII. Though not recognized as a patron saint for any specific cause, Saint Mary Joseph Rosello's life serves as an inspiration for those facing adversities and facing challenges in serving God and others. Her unwavering faith, selflessness, and dedication to the education and care of the young and the sick continue to inspire people to this day. Saint Mary Joseph Rosello is truly a role model of love, humility, and service to all.