Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Giovannina Franchi

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… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Giovannina Franchi

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Anna Schaffer

The Basics: Born February 18, 1882, in Germany; died October 5, 1925, in Germany; canonized October 21, 2012, by Benedict XVI; feast day, October 5; laywoman. The Story: Anna’s life was far from easy, but she had a plan: she would become a missionary. To earn her dowry and to help her family, she went to work… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Anna Schaffer

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Dolores Oller Angelats

The Basics: Born  September 14, 1869, in Spain; died August 30, 1936, in Spain; beatified September 5, 2015, by Pope Francis; feast day, August 30; woman religious, nurse, and martyr. The Story: Maria Dolores Oller Angelats, known in religious life as Fidela, was the oldest of four children, born into a family of potters. She was drawn… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Dolores Oller Angelats

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel

The Basics: Born  September 17, 1830, in Germany; died February 6, 1905, in Germany; beatified November 10, 2013; feast day, February 6; woman religious. The Story: Contemplation vs. faith in action through charity. It’s a choice that many of us face; there never seems to be enough time to do justice to both. Maria Theresia, however, found… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel