Bartolomea Capitanio
Bartolomea Capitanio was an Italian Roman Catholic professed religious and the co-foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere. She dedicated her short life to the educational needs of children and the poor, serving as a teacher and using her order to achieve this aim. She was canonized as a saint in 1950 alongside her co-foundress, Vincenza Gerosa.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Bartolomea Capitanio was born in Bergamo in 1807.
- ›She co-founded the Sisters of Charity of Lovere with Vincenza Gerosa.
- ›Her life was dedicated to the education of children and the poor.
- ›She received her teacher's diploma from the Austrian government in 1822.
- ›She died from tuberculosis in Lovere in 1833.
- ›She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
About Bartolomea Capitanio
Bartolomea Capitanio (1807–1833) was an Italian Roman Catholic religious sister and the co-foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere. Her relatively short life was devoted to the educational needs of children and the poor, and she is remembered for her significant role as a teacher and as a founder of a religious order dedicated to these aims.
Life and Ministry
Born in Bergamo in 1807, Bartolomea Capitanio came from a merchant family. Her early education was at the convent of the Poor Clares in Lovere, where she later remained as a teacher until 1825. Inspired by figures like Aloysius Gonzaga, she opened a private school for girls, fostering devotion and providing education. The Austrian government, which governed northern Italy at the time, recognized her teaching capabilities, issuing her a diploma in 1822.
In 1824, Capitanio met Vincenza Gerosa, and their friendship grew into a shared mission. Together, they aimed to establish a hospital for the medically indigent and to found a religious order focused on teaching children and nursing the sick. With the support of local clergy, they acquired a house to establish their order. On February 21, 1832, they dedicated themselves to God and began their communal life in accordance with their newly founded order, the Sisters of Charity of Lovere. The formal founding date is often cited as November 21, 1832, following preliminary work that began on April 26, 1831.
Bartolomea Capitanio died of tuberculosis in Lovere in 1833 at the age of 26.
Sainthood
The process for her canonization began in the late 19th century. She was declared Venerable by Pope Leo XIII in 1902. Pope Pius XI beatified her on May 30, 1926, and Pope Pius XII canonized her as a saint on May 18, 1950, alongside her old friend and co-foundress, Vincenza Gerosa.
Legacy
Bartolomea Capitanio is chiefly remembered for her commitment to education and the care of the poor. The Sisters of Charity of Lovere, which she co-founded, continue to operate and fulfill her vision of service. A school in Brazil also bears her name, reflecting her enduring influence in educational spheres.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bartolomea Capitanio born?
Bartolomea Capitanio was born on January 13, 1807, in Bergamo, Italy.
What was Bartolomea Capitanio's main life's work?
Her life's work was dedicated to the educational needs of children and the poor, and she served as a teacher for most of her life.
Who did Bartolomea Capitanio co-found a religious order with?
She co-founded the Sisters of Charity of Lovere with Vincenza Gerosa.
When was Bartolomea Capitanio canonized?
Bartolomea Capitanio was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XII on May 18, 1950, alongside Vincenza Gerosa.
What caused Bartolomea Capitanio's death?
Bartolomea Capitanio died from tuberculosis in Lovere in 1833.
Related Saints
Vincenza Gerosa
Vincenza Gerosa, born Caterina Gerosa, was an Italian Roman Catholic religious sister and the co-foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere. Alongside Bartolomea Capitanio, she dedicated her life to educating children and tending to the poor. Gerosa is remembered for her charitable works and the religious institute she helped establish.
Clelia Barbieri
Clelia Barbieri was an Italian Catholic and the founder of the Little Sisters of the Mother of Sorrows. Regarded as the youngest founder of a religious congregation in Catholic history, she dedicated her life to serving others after declining marriage in her youth. She is remembered for her piety, her educational work, and the founding of her religious order.
Teresa Jornet Ibars
Teresa Jornet Ibars, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish religious sister and the founder of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly. She is remembered for her dedication to caring for the old and ill, establishing a congregation that continues this work internationally. Her life of heroic virtue led to her canonization.