The Basics: Born October 29, 1784, in Italy; died June 20, 1847, in Italy; canonized May 18, 1950, by Pius XII; feast day, June 28. Social worker, woman religious.
The Story: They were different, Caterina Genosa and Bartolomea Capitanio. When they met in 1824, Caterina was 
forty, blessed with wealth but with no immediate family members still alive. She liked to work in the background, helping those in poverty who were sick. Bartolomea, a teacher, was just seventeen. The women met at an organization Bartolomea had set up to help educate young people, and something clicked. They began working on projects together, and in 1832 co-founded what would become the Sisters of the Holy Child Mary congregation. But just eight months later, Bartolomea died. Caterina soldiered on, overseeing the group’s work and ultimately taking final vows in 1841 as Sister Vincenza Gerosa.
Vincenza’s Wisdom: “If God wants, His will be done. ”
What We Can Learn from Vincenza: Think about the number of times you go to a ministry meeting and chat up only the people you already know. Learn from Vincenza and Bartolomea. At the next meeting, sit next to someone you don’t know well. See where the Holy Spirit takes you.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
