Enrichetta Alfieri
Enrichetta Alfieri, born Maria Angela Domenica Alfieri, was an Italian Roman Catholic religious sister of the Sisters of Divine Charity. Known as "the mother of San Vittore" and "the angel of San Vittore," she dedicated her life to caring for prisoners, particularly during World War II when she was arrested by the Nazis for espionage. Her beatification was approved by Pope Benedict XVI and celebrated in Milan Cathedral in 2011.
Key Facts
- ›Maria Angela Domenica Alfieri was born in Borgo Vercelli on February 23, 1891.
- ›She joined the Sisters of Divine Charity as a postulant on December 20, 1911.
- ›Alfieri was diagnosed with Pott's disease and later degenerating spondylitis, experiencing significant pain and immobilization.
- ›She reported a miraculous recovery on February 25, 1923, after a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
- ›She was assigned to administer to prisoners at San Vittore prison in Milan in May 1923 and was appointed its superior in 1939.
- ›During World War II, she was arrested by the Nazis on charges of espionage and detained for eleven days, but was released due to the intervention of Cardinal Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster.
Major Works
- Memoir of her imprisonment
the mother of San Vittore, the angel of San Vittore, Maria Angela Domenica Alfieri
Prisoners
Sisters of Divine Charity
Often Depicted With Prisoners, Symbols of Charity and Care
Religious Sister, Carer
About Enrichetta Alfieri
Enrichetta Alfieri, born Maria Angela Domenica Alfieri on February 23, 1891, was an Italian Roman Catholic religious sister and a member of the Sisters of Divine Charity. Her life's work was largely dedicated to the care and spiritual well-being of prisoners, particularly at the San Vittore prison in Milan. Her profound compassion and dedication earned her the affectionate titles of "the mother of San Vittore" and "the angel of San Vittore."
Life and Ministry
Born into a family in Borgo Vercelli, Maria Angela Domenica Alfieri displayed a strong inclination towards religious life from a young age. She joined the Sisters of Divine Charity as a postulant on December 20, 1911. Early in her life, she faced significant health challenges, including Pott's disease and degenerating spondylitis, which caused her considerable pain. She attributed her recovery from these debilitating conditions to a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1923, an event considered miraculous.
Following her recovery, Alfieri was assigned to the San Vittore prison in Milan in May 1923. Her tender care and unwavering affection for the inmates quickly made her a beloved figure. She rose to the position of superior at the prison in 1939. During World War II, San Vittore served as an S.S. headquarters, and Alfieri and her fellow sisters risked their lives to smuggle supplies and messages to those persecuted by the Nazis, including Jewish people and resistance fighters. Her activities led to her arrest on charges of espionage in September 1944. She endured eleven days of detention, facing a potential death sentence or imprisonment in a concentration camp, before her release was secured through the intervention of Cardinal Archbishop Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster.
After the war, she returned to San Vittore prison in 1945, ministering to prisoners of war and their former captors. She passed away on November 23, 1951, after suffering a fractured femur and declining health. Inmates at San Vittore paid their respects to her remains, a testament to the impact she had on their lives.
Beatification
Enrichetta Alfieri was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on December 19, 2009, recognizing her heroic virtue. Her beatification process moved forward after the investigation and approval of a miracle attributed to her intercession. Pope Benedict XVI approved the miracle, which involved the cure of Stefania Copelli, on April 2, 2011. The beatification ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato at Milan Cathedral on June 26, 2011.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Enrichetta Alfieri's birth name?
Enrichetta Alfieri was born Maria Angela Domenica Alfieri. She adopted the religious name Enrichetta upon entering religious life.
What was Enrichetta Alfieri known for?
She was known for her extensive work and compassionate care for prisoners at the San Vittore prison in Milan, earning her the titles "mother of San Vittore" and "angel of San Vittore."
Was Enrichetta Alfieri arrested during World War II?
Yes, during World War II, the Nazis arrested Enrichetta Alfieri on charges of espionage. She was detained for eleven days before being released due to the intervention of Cardinal Archbishop Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster.
When and by whom was Enrichetta Alfieri beatified?
Enrichetta Alfieri was beatified on June 26, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI approved her beatification and delegated Cardinal Angelo Amato to preside over the ceremony.
Did Enrichetta Alfieri have any notable illnesses?
Yes, Enrichetta Alfieri suffered from Pott's disease and degenerating spondylitis, which caused her significant pain and immobilization. She reported a miraculous recovery from these ailments in 1923.
Related Blesseds
Elena Guerra
Elena Guerra was an Italian Catholic religious sister and founder of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit. She was a fervent advocate for devotion to the Holy Spirit and dedicated her life to the education of girls, particularly those from China and Africa. Guerra's significant contributions led to her beatification and subsequent canonization as a saint.
Angelina di Marsciano
Angelina di Marsciano was an Italian religious sister and foundress of a congregation of Franciscan Third Order Regular sisters, known today as the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Angelina. She is credited with establishing the first Franciscan community of women living under the rule of the Third Order Regular, and her order became known for serving the poor.
Giovanna Francesca Michelotti
Giovanna Francesca Michelotti, born Anna Michelotti, was an Italian religious sister who established the Little Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Sick Poor. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and the sick, and was beatified on 1 November 1975. Her congregation continues her work with the vulnerable.