Blessed Alfonsa Clerici

Biography

Blessed Alfonsa Clerici, born on 14 February 1860 in Lainate, Milan, Italy, was the eldest of ten children born to Angelo and Maria Romano Clerici. She came from a poor, but deeply religious family. Two of her brothers became monks, and one of her sisters joined the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Alfonsa's strong faith and desire to serve God led her to pursue a Master's degree at the College of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Monza, Italy. After completing her studies, she began her teaching career in Lainate in 1880. During this time, she felt a persistent call to religious life, but her work responsibilities prevented her from immediately answering the call.

Finally, on 15 August 1883, Alfonsa responded to the call and joined the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in Monza. She dedicated herself to the community, where she served as a teacher at the College and later became the Director of the College on 22 November 1898. Her commitment to education and her role as a spiritual guide made a significant impact on the lives of her students and the entire community.

Blessed Alfonsa Clerici lived a life of exemplary holiness, demonstrating deep devotion to God and a selfless love for others. She committed herself to prayer and became known for her unwavering faith and humility.

Tragically, on the night of 12 to 13 January 1930, while engaged in prayer, Alfonsa suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. She passed away at 13:30 on 14 January 1930, in Vercelli, Italy. Her burial initially took place in Vercelli, but in 1965 her remains were re-interred in the cemetery chapel of the College of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Monza, Italy.

Recognizing her remarkable virtues, Pope John Paul II declared Alfonsa Clerici venerable on 22 June 2004. Later, on 23 October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI beatified her, acknowledging her as a blessed of the Church. The beatification ceremony took place in the Piazza of San Eusebio, Diocese of Vercelli, with Archbishop Angelo Amato as the chief celebrant.

The beatification of Blessed Alfonsa Clerici was accompanied by the recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession. Mr. Nedo Frosini, who was suffering from a life-threatening heart condition, was miraculously healed following the prayers of his wife, Carla Demi Frosini, seeking the intercession of Blessed Alfonsa.

Today, the faithful venerate Blessed Alfonsa Clerici as a powerful model of faith, humility, and dedication to God. Her life and example continue to inspire countless individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God and serve others with love and compassion.