Geltrude Comensoli
Geltrude Caterina Comensoli was an Italian religious sister who founded the Institute of the Sacramentine Sisters. She is remembered for her devotion to the Eucharist and her work in educating young female factory workers. Declared a saint in 2009, she is also recognized as a patroness of youth and Val Camonica.
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Geltrude Caterina Comensoli was born on January 18, 1847, in Bienno, Italy.
- ›She founded the Institute of the Sacramentine Sisters in 1882 with the encouragement of the Bishop of Bergamo.
- ›Comensoli's work focused on the adoration of the Eucharist and the education of young female factory workers.
- ›She was declared "Venerable" by Pope John XXIII in 1961 and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1989.
- ›Pope Benedict XVI declared Comensoli a saint on April 26, 2009.
- ›She is the patroness of Youth, Val Camonica, and Relic Custodians.
Mother Geltrude, Sister Geltrude of the Blessed Sacrament, Geltrude Caterina Comensoli
Youth, Val Camonica, Relic Custodians, Margreid An Der WeinstraßE
Sacramentine Sisters
About Geltrude Comensoli
Geltrude Caterina Comensoli
Geltrude Caterina Comensoli, also known as Mother Geltrude, was an Italian nun and the founder of the Institute of the Sacramentine Sisters. Born on January 18, 1847, in Bienno, Italy, she was the fifth of ten children. Her early life was marked by illness, which interrupted her first attempt at religious life, leading her to work as a domestic servant.
Life and Ministry
Comensoli's path to religious life was unconventional. After her recovery from illness, she worked for several families, including that of a parish priest who later became the Bishop of Lodi. She made a vow of chastity on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1878 and began educating children in San Gervasio, Bergamo, guiding them in Christian and social virtues. Following her parents' death, she sought a more dedicated religious life. Encouraged by the Bishop of Bergamo, Pietro Luigi Speranza, and later Pope Leo XIII, who suggested including the education of young female factory workers, Comensoli established her congregation.
Founding the Sacramentine Sisters
With the support of Bishop Gaetano Guindani and Francesco Spinelli, Geltrude Comensoli, along with two friends, founded the Congregation of the Sacramentine Sisters of Bergamo on December 15, 1882. She adopted the name Sister Geltrude of the Blessed Sacrament. The institute received canonical recognition in 1891. The sisters later moved to Lodi, where they were welcomed and established a Mother House.
Death and Veneration
Geltrude Comensoli died on February 18, 1903. Her remains were moved to the Mother House of her institute in 1926. Her cause for sainthood progressed through various stages: her spiritual writings were approved in 1935, she was declared "Servant of God" in 1939, "Venerable" by Pope John XXIII in 1961, and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1989. Pope Benedict XVI canonized her as a saint on April 26, 2009.
Legacy
Saint Geltrude Comensoli is remembered as the Patroness of Youth, Val Camonica, and Relic Custodians. A church and museum are dedicated to her in Bienno, and she is the patron saint of Margreid an der Weinstraße. The "Geltrude Comensoli Centre of Spirituality and Culture" continues her legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Geltrude Comensoli born and when did she die?
Geltrude Caterina Comensoli was born on January 18, 1847, and died on February 18, 1903.
What is Geltrude Comensoli known for founding?
She is known for founding the Institute of the Sacramentine Sisters in 1882, with a focus on the adoration of the Eucharist and the education of young female factory workers.
What are Geltrude Comensoli's patronages?
She is the patroness of Youth, Val Camonica, and Relic Custodians. She is also the patron saint of Margreid an der Weinstraße.
What is Geltrude Comensoli's process of canonization?
Her spiritual writings were approved in 1935, she was declared "Servant of God" in 1939, "Venerable" in 1961, beatified in 1989, and finally declared a saint in 2009.
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