Wednesday’s Woman: Josephine Bakhita

The Basics: Born  about 1869 in Sudan; died February 8, 1947, in Italy; canonized October 1, 2000, by John Paul II; feast day, February 8. Woman religious. The Story: It is a story that begins with love and returns to love after more than a decade of suffering and injustice. It is the story of a little… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Josephine Bakhita

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Teresa Casini

The Basics: Born October 27, 1864, in Italy; died April 3, 1937, in Italy; beatified October 31, 2015; feast day, October 29; woman religious. The Story: Books about saints are full of stories about women who were martyrs or who founded congregations that brought hope and support to those who live on society’s margin. Maria Teresa’s… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Teresa Casini

Wednesday’s Woman: Maria Josefa Alhama y Valera (Mother Esperanza)

The Basics: Born September 30, 1893, in Spain; died February 8, 1983, in Italy; beatified May 31, 2014; feast day, February 8; woman religious. The Story: Maria’s life took some twists and turns before she settled into her life’s work with the Handmaids and Sons of Merciful Love congregations she founded. She got acquainted with the… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Maria Josefa Alhama y Valera (Mother Esperanza)

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Bolognesi

The Basics: Born October 21, 1924, in Italy; died January 30, 1980, in Italy; beatified September 7, 2013; feast day, January 30; laywoman; mystic. The Story: Maria’s life was seldom easy, even when she was a child. Her parents weren’t married when she was born, and she ultimately took the name of her stepfather. He was… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Bolognesi