Saint Who?
Saints Who Promoted Marian Devotion
Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli
Foundress († 1651)Feast: December 15
The daughter of a duke, Virginia was widowed at twenty, with two daughters to raise. Rather than marry again, she committed herself to a celibate life, and lived with her mother-in-law, who encouraged Virginia’s good works. When her daughters were grown, she devoted herself to works of mercy. Inspired by Our Lady of Sorrows, the aristocrat began to visit galley slaves, much to the shock of her neighbors. A gifted organizer, she took as her motto “to serve God through the poor,” and she was able to get private donors and public officials alike to assist her in her good works.
Her hometown of Genoa had over nine hundred little shrines to Our Lady. They were in need of repair and maintenance. Virginia organized a group to restore and provide ongoing care for them. She continued to tend to the needs of the poor in her city, forming a group of laywomen to seek out those in need, especially those ashamed to seek help for themselves. She opened her own home to disaster victims, renting additional space when her house was full.
Virginia eventually founded the Order of Our Lady of Refuge on Mount Calvary, later known as the Brignolines, to educate poor children, and soon retired to menial roles within it. However, after some time she was asked to return to administrative duties. She died in 1651 and was canonized in 2003.
Heavenly Father, bless all who work
to spread Marian devotion.
