Blessed Anna Rosa Gattorno

Biography

Blessed Anna Rosa Gattorno, also known as Rose Maria Benedetta, was born on 14 October 1831 in Genoa, Italy. She was one of six children born into the pious and affluent family of Francesco Benedetta and Adelaide Campanella Benedetta. Anna Rosa was baptized the day after her birth and confirmed at the age of 12. She received her education at home and had a deep understanding of the political and anti-clerical debates of her time.

On 5 November 1852, Anna Rosa married Gerolamo Custo, and the couple initially settled in Marseilles, France. However, due to financial difficulties, they were forced to return to Genoa. Tragically, their oldest child fell ill and became deaf and mute. The couple faced further sorrow when Gerolamo passed away from natural causes on 9 March 1858. Shortly after, their youngest child also succumbed to natural causes.

Despite the numerous miseries she faced, Anna Rosa saw these trials as a lesson and a calling from God. Rather than becoming angry or resentful, she understood that her experiences of pain, poverty, and loss qualified her to empathize and assist others in similar circumstances. In 1858, she privately took vows of chastity and obedience, and in 1861, she embraced a vow of poverty. Anna Rosa became a Franciscan tertiary and in 1862, she received the hidden stigmata.

Although she preferred a life of silence and solitude, Anna Rosa found herself increasingly called upon for assistance by Catholic associations in Genoa. She became the President of the Pious Union of the New Ursuline Daughters of Holy Mary Immaculate and revised its Rule. While engrossed in this work, she received a distinct calling to establish her own congregation. Initially hesitant, fearing it would take her away from her remaining children, she sought counsel from Pope Pius IX on 3 January 1866. Surprisingly, the Pope encouraged her to pursue her calling without delay.

With the guidance of Father Giovanni Battista Tornatore, Anna Rosa co-founded the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Anne, Mother of Mary Immaculate in Piacenza, Italy, on 8 December 1866. They were dedicated to serving the poor and sick. On 26 July 1867, Anna Rosa took the habit of the Institute, and on 8 April 1870, she and twelve sisters made their solemn profession, during which she assumed the name Anna Rosa.

By the time of Anna Rosa's death on 6 May 1900 in Rome, Italy, from influenza, the Institute had grown significantly. It acquired official approval in 1879, and its rule was later sanctioned in 1892. Under Anna Rosa's leadership and collaboration with Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini, the Institute established 368 houses across Italy, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Eritrea. They undertook various charitable works, including the construction of hostels, schools, and kindergartens. Furthermore, they ministered to the deaf and mute community.

Today, the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Anne, Mother of Mary Immaculate is associated with the Movement of Hope, the Contemplative Order of the Daughters of Saint Anne, and the Sons of Saint Anne. Blessed Anna Rosa Gattorno, venerated on 21 December 1988 by Pope John Paul II, was beatified on 9 April 2000 by the same Pope. Her feast day is celebrated on 6 May each year, commemorating her dedication to serving the poor, her perseverance through adversity, and her deep faith in God.