 |
Klelia BarbieriSaint of the Roman Catholic Church, nun
Date of Birth: 13.02.1847
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Saint Clelia Barbieri
- A Call to Service
- Foundation of the Institute
- A Life of Sacrifice
- Canonization and Legacy
Saint Clelia Barbieri
Early Life and ChildhoodBorn into a humble family in 1847, Clelia Barbieri faced adversity at a young age. After the passing of her father, she worked alongside her mother in a spinning mill from the tender age of 8. Despite her circumstances, Clelia displayed an unwavering spiritual devotion from her early years.
A Call to Service
At the age of 14, Clelia became an active member of a Catholic movement that provided religious guidance to laborers. Recognizing her aptitude, Father Gaetano Guido entrusted her with the responsibility of teaching girls the Catholic Catechism. Inspired by this experience, Clelia declined a marriage proposal at the age of 17, choosing instead to consecrate her life to God.
Foundation of the Institute
Driven by a profound love for the poor and marginalized, Clelia, along with her companions Theodora Baraldi and Ursula Donati, founded the religious institute known as the Little Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother of God on May 1, 1868. This congregation dedicated itself to providing aid and support to those in need.
A Life of Sacrifice
Just two years after the founding of her religious order, Clelia's earthly journey came to an end. She succumbed to tuberculosis on July 13, 1870, at the age of 23. Despite her short life, she left an enduring legacy of service and devotion.
Canonization and Legacy
In 1968, Clelia Barbieri was declared Blessed by Pope Paul VI. Twenty-one years later, in 1989, she was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II. Her feast day in the Catholic Church is observed on July 13, commemorating her unwavering commitment to the poor and her profound witness to God's love.
