Saint Paola Elisabetta Cerioli

Biography

Saint Paola Elisabetta Cerioli, also known as Constanse Honorata Cerioli, Constantia Honorata, Costanza Cerioli Buzecchi-Tasis, Costanza Onorata, and Paula Elisabeth, was born on 28 January 1816 in Soncino, Cremona, Italy. She was born into an Italian noble family, being the youngest of 16 children born to Francesco Cerioli and Francesca Corniani. From an early age, Saint Paola faced numerous health challenges. She was born with a heart condition and a slight spinal deformity that made her physically weak throughout her life. However, these obstacles did not deter her from seeking an education. She received her education in Bergamo, Italy, where she developed a deep love for learning and a strong faith. At the age of 19, on 30 April 1835, Saint Paola entered into an arranged marriage with Gaetano Busecchi, who was 59 years old at the time. Her husband, who had poor health, proved to be a difficult man, and their 19-year marriage was filled with challenges. They had three children together, but tragically, one died in infancy, another passed away at the age of one, and their son Carlo died in 1854 at the age of 16. Shortly after Carlo's death, her husband also passed away. As a wealthy widow, Saint Paola felt a deep calling to help those less fortunate. She began to share her wealth with the poor and dedicated herself to caring for orphans and neglected children. She even opened her own home to provide a safe haven for these children. Moved by her compassion and charitable acts, many people came to recognize her as a true saint in their midst. Feeling an even stronger call to religious life, Saint Paola took a vow of chastity on 25 December 1856. She then went on to take vows of poverty and obedience on 8 February 1857, fully committing herself to a life of service to God and others. In December 1867, Saint Paola founded the Institute of the Sisters of the Holy Family in Comonte di Seriate, Bergamo, Italy. Taking on the name Paola Elisabetta, she established the mission of the Institute to help abandoned children and work with new parents. Her dedication and love for these children attracted other like-minded individuals, and soon the Institute began to flourish. Recognizing the need for a corresponding men's community, Saint Paola also founded the Congregation of the Holy Family on 4 November 1863. Together, these two communities worked tirelessly to provide care and support for abandoned children, while also striving to strengthen families and promote a sense of unity and love. Saint Paola Elisabetta Cerioli passed away on 24 December 1865 in Comonte di Seriate, Bergamo, Italy, due to natural causes. Her life of selflessness, devotion, and service to the poor and marginalized inspired many. Recognizing her remarkable virtues, Pope Pius XII declared her venerable on 2 July 1939. Then, on 19 March 1950, she was beatified by the same pope, acknowledging her as a blessed soul. Finally, on 16 May 2004, Pope John Paul II canonized her, officially recognizing her as a saint of the Catholic Church. Saint Paola Elisabetta Cerioli's life serves as a testament to the power of love, compassion, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Today, she is revered as a patron saint of unknown causes. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals to serve those in need and to embrace a life of selflessness and dedication to God.