Assunta Marchetti
Assunta Marchetti was an Italian Catholic who co-founded the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scalabrinian Sisters. She dedicated her life to serving the orphans of Italian immigrants in Brazil, where she worked from 1895 until her death in 1948. Her beatification was celebrated on October 25, 2014.
Key Facts
- ›Maria Assunta Caterina Marchetti was born on August 15, 1871, and was the third of eleven children.
- ›She moved to Brazil in 1895 with her widowed mother and two companions to work with her priest brother, Giuseppe, aiding orphans of Italian immigrants.
- ›Assunta Marchetti and her brother Giuseppe co-founded the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scalabrinian Sisters.
- ›She made her perpetual profession to Father Faustino Consoni in October 1897.
- ›Marchetti collaborated with Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini in 1904 during his visit to Brazil.
- ›Her beatification was celebrated on October 25, 2014, with Cardinal Angelo Amato presiding on behalf of Pope Francis.

Orphans, Italian Immigrants
Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo
About Assunta Marchetti
Assunta Marchetti, born Maria Assunta Caterina Marchetti on August 15, 1871, was an Italian Catholic nun and a significant figure in the missionary work among Italian immigrants in Brazil. She is recognized for her co-founding role in the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scalabrinian Sisters, an order dedicated to serving migrants.
Life and historical context
Marchetti was born into a large family and experienced early hardships, including the death of her father, which necessitated her contributing to the family's support and temporarily set aside her aspirations of joining the Carmelites. A pivotal moment in her life was meeting Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, who would later inspire the foundation of the order she helped establish. In 1895, she accepted an invitation from her priest brother, Giuseppe, to travel to Brazil to minister to the orphans of Italian immigrants. She embarked on this journey with her mother and two companions, setting sail from Genoa on October 26, 1895.
Major contributions
Upon arriving in Brazil, Assunta Marchetti, alongside her brother Giuseppe, co-founded the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo. This order was instrumental in providing care and support to the growing population of Italian immigrants and their children in Brazil. She made her perpetual vows in October 1897 and continued her dedicated service in Brazil until her death on July 1, 1948. Her unwavering commitment to the welfare of the immigrant community marked her life's work.
Beatification
The process for Assunta Marchetti's beatification began under Pope John Paul II. After extensive investigation into her life of heroic virtue and a verified miracle, she was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification ceremony was celebrated on October 25, 2014, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Francis. The miracle attributed to her intercession involved the permanent cure of a man suffering from heart disease.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Assunta Marchetti?
Assunta Marchetti was an Italian Catholic nun who co-founded the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo. She dedicated her life to serving Italian immigrants and their orphans in Brazil.
When was Assunta Marchetti born and when did she die?
Assunta Marchetti was born on August 15, 1871, and she died on July 1, 1948.
What is Assunta Marchetti best known for?
She is best known for co-founding the Missionary Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo, also known as the Scalabrinian Sisters, and for her extensive missionary work in Brazil among Italian immigrants.
When was Assunta Marchetti beatified?
Assunta Marchetti was beatified on October 25, 2014. Cardinal Angelo Amato presided over the ceremony on behalf of Pope Francis.
What was the role of her brother Giuseppe Marchetti?
Her priest brother, Giuseppe Marchetti, invited her to Brazil to work with him. He is also recognized on the path to sainthood, titled as Venerable.
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