Caterina Volpicelli
Caterina Volpicelli was an Italian religious sister and the foundress of the Volpicelli Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, an order dedicated to education. She was declared a saint by the Catholic Church after being beatified by Pope John Paul II and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI.
- Feast Day
- 22 January
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Caterina Volpicelli was born in Naples on January 21, 1839.
- ›She founded the Volpicelli Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, dedicated to education.
- ›Her initial attempt at a contemplative life was abandoned due to frail health.
- ›She was helped by Saint Ludovico of Casoria to understand her calling to live evangelical counsels within society.
- ›Her foundation was approved by the Archbishop of Naples in 1874 as the Pia Unione delle Ancelle del Sacro Cuore.
- ›She was canonized on April 26, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI.
Volpicelli Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, Pia Unione delle Ancelle del Sacro Cuore, Istituto delle Ancelle del Sacro Cuore di Gesù
Volpicelli Handmaids of the Sacred Heart
About Caterina Volpicelli
Caterina Volpicelli (January 21, 1839 – December 28, 1894) was an Italian religious sister, venerated in the Catholic Church as a saint. She is chiefly remembered as the foundress of the Volpicelli Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, a religious congregation dedicated to the apostolate of education.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Naples to a family of the Neapolitan high bourgeoisie, Caterina Volpicelli possessed a deep Christian faith. Her adolescence was marked by a love for theater, music, and literature. Following a significant existential crisis, she began to recognize a calling to religious life. Initially, she aspired to a contemplative vocation, but frail health necessitated its abandonment. She was guided by Saint Ludovico of Casoria, who helped her discern a call to live the evangelical counsels while remaining active within society.
Foundation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart
Volpicelli dedicated herself to the diffusion of the Apostleship of Prayer with collaborators. She found inspiration in a French foundation that aligned with her objectives. In 1874, her nascent Neapolitan foundation was officially approved by the Archbishop of Naples, bearing the name Pia Unione delle Ancelle del Sacro Cuore (Pious Union of the Handmaid’s of the Sacred Heart). Seeking further validation, she pursued approval from the Holy See. The innovative nature of her foundation, aiming for public profession of vows, encountered significant opposition. Nevertheless, in June 1890, the Istituto delle Ancelle del Sacro Cuore di Gesù (Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) received a Decree of Praise from the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, preserving its distinctive design.
Veneration and Sainthood
Caterina Volpicelli died on December 28, 1894, leaving her young institution in a state of uncertainty without her guiding presence. Her writings were approved by theologians on April 23, 1910, and her beatification process commenced on January 11, 1911, granting her the title of Servant of God. Pope Pius XII declared her venerable on March 25, 1945. Pope John Paul II promulgated the decree for a miracle attributed to her intercession on June 28, 1999, and proclaimed her blessed on April 29, 2001. Pope Benedict XVI signed a decree recognizing another miracle attributed to her intercession on December 6, 2008, and subsequently canonized her in St. Peter's Square on April 26, 2009. Her liturgical feast is observed on January 22.
A commemorative plaque marking her birthplace is located at 30 Port‘Alba Street in Naples.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Caterina Volpicelli born and when did she die?
Caterina Volpicelli was born on January 21, 1839, and she died on December 28, 1894.
What religious order did Caterina Volpicelli found?
Caterina Volpicelli founded the Volpicelli Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, an order dedicated to education.
Who declared Caterina Volpicelli a saint?
She was declared a saint by the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI canonized her on April 26, 2009, after she was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 29, 2001.
What challenges did Caterina Volpicelli face in establishing her religious foundation?
Establishing her foundation faced perplexities and open hostility, particularly among the Roman clergy, due to the originality and novelty of her institution's form, which sought recognition as an authentic religious institution with public vows.
Where is Caterina Volpicelli venerated?
Caterina Volpicelli is venerated within the Catholic Church. A commemorative plaque marking her birthplace is located at 30 Port'Alba Street in Naples, Italy.
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