Francinaina Cirer Carbonell
Francinaina Cirer Carbonell was a Spanish Roman Catholic member of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of Mallorca, who founded the Community of the Sisters of Charity despite being illiterate. She is known for her charitable works, spiritual visions, and was beatified in 1989.
Key Facts
- ›Francinaina Cirer Carbonell was born on June 1, 1781, in Spain, the last of six children.
- ›Despite being illiterate, she founded the Community of the Sisters of Charity.
- ›She took the religious name Francinaina of the Sorrowful Mother of God upon her profession on December 7, 1851.
- ›She reportedly experienced angelic visions and was once observed to levitate.
- ›Carbonell died on February 27, 1855, from a stroke.
- ›She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 1989.
Francinaina of the Sorrowful Mother of God, Saint of Sansellas
- Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul of Mallorca
Angelic Visions, Levitation
About Francinaina Cirer Carbonell
Francinaina Cirer Carbonell (1781–1855) was a Spanish Roman Catholic nun who, despite being illiterate, founded the Community of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of Mallorca. Born on June 1, 1781, she was the youngest of six children and grew up in a devout household. She received the sacraments of confirmation and first communion in her youth and later joined a local brotherhood.
Life and Charitable Work
After the deaths of her parents and several brothers, Francinaina dedicated herself to a life of charity and penance. She spent over three decades in her home, ministering to the sick and poor, teaching catechism, and reconciling those in conflict. Her reputation for wisdom and compassion earned her the moniker "Saint of Sansellas." She felt a strong call to establish a Vincentian sisterhood in her town, which she founded with two other women. The congregation's mission was to continue her work of teaching catechism and visiting the sick in their homes.
Religious Life and Spiritual Experiences
On December 7, 1851, she took her religious vows and adopted the name Francinaina of the Sorrowful Mother of God. During her life, she reportedly experienced numerous angelic visions and was once observed to levitate in a state of ecstasy. Her death occurred on February 27, 1855, from a stroke, and her funeral was attended by a vast number of people.
Beatification
The process for her beatification began in Mallorca in 1903 and concluded in 1926, leading to her title as Servant of God. The formal introduction of her cause under Pope Pius XII occurred in 1940. Pope John Paul II recognized her heroic virtue and declared her venerable on March 21, 1985. She was officially beatified on October 1, 1989, following the investigation and approval of a miracle attributed to her intercession. A second miracle is currently under investigation, potentially paving the way for her canonization as a saint.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Francinaina Cirer Carbonell born and when did she die?
Francinaina Cirer Carbonell was born on June 1, 1781, and she passed away on February 27, 1855. She lived to be approximately 73 years old.
What was Francinaina Cirer Carbonell known for?
She is known for founding the Community of the Sisters of Charity in Mallorca, despite being illiterate. She was also noted for her charitable works, pious life, and reported angelic visions.
What religious order was Francinaina Cirer Carbonell a part of?
Francinaina Cirer Carbonell was a member of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of Mallorca. Upon taking her religious vows, she assumed the name Francinaina of the Sorrowful Mother of God.
Was Francinaina Cirer Carbonell beatified?
Yes, she was beatified on October 1, 1989, by Pope John Paul II. A second miracle attributed to her is currently under investigation for potential canonization.
What were some notable events in her life before founding her community?
Before founding her community, she joined the Brotherhood of the SS. Sacrament in her parish in 1813. She also dedicated herself to charitable acts, penance, teaching catechism, and assisting the sick and poor in her home for decades.
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