The Basics: Born June 24, 1807, in Italy; died February 23, 1872, in Italy; beatified September 20, 2014; feast day, February 23; woman religious, nurse.
The Story: Some would say Giovannina came to the Lord’s plan late. One of seven children born into a financially comfortable family, she started helping the homebound while in school. Then, in her early thirties, Giovannina became engaged, only to have her fiance died. Her parents and an uncle followed in the next ten
years.
The uncle’s death resulted in an inheritance for Giovannina, which she and three companions put to use by buying a building that would be used as a hospital. They established in 1853 what would become the Nursing Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. Their ministry expanded to include former prostitutes, the mentally ill, and the homeless.
Giovannina and the sisters provided care throughout an epidemic in the summer of 1871. It is believed that she became infected with smallpox or cholera as a result, which resulted in her death the following winter.
What We Can Learn from Giovannina: God’s timing is not always our timing. Consider how you can let go of an expectation that you can reach a goal or dream on your own timetable.
To Learn More About Giovannina: Check out the site for her congregation, or read about her beatification at the Diocese of Como, Italy, site.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
