Blessed Cecilia Eusepi

Biography

Blessed Cecilia Eusepi, also known as Maria Angela, was born on 17 February 1910 in Monte Romano, Viterbo, Italy. She was the youngest of eleven children in her family. Cecilia's early life was marked by tragedy as her father passed away only two months after her birth. However, her family's faith remained strong, and she was baptized at the tender age of 9 days.

On 6 January 1915, when Cecilia was just five years old, her family moved to a small farm near Nepi, Italy under the care of a maternal uncle. It was during this time that she received the sacraments of Confirmation on 27 May 1917 and made her First Communion on 2 October 1917, solidifying her commitment and devotion to her Catholic faith.

Cecilia's education played a vital role in shaping her spiritual journey. She attended a Cistercian convent school, where she received a well-rounded education that nurtured her love for God and the Church. In 1922, at the age of twelve, Cecilia joined the Servants of Mary (Servites) as a secular tertiary. At the San Tolomeo ai Servi church, she received the scapular and took the name Maria Angela, symbolizing her dedication to serving God and His Church.

With a desire to become a missionary, Cecilia studied in Rome, Pistoia, and Zara from 1923 to 1926. However, her dreams were cut short when she contracted tuberculosis. As her health deteriorated, she returned to her family farm on 23 October 1926. Despite her frailty, Cecilia's spiritual insights and wisdom became widely known, and she became a trusted counselor to seminarians and members of Catholic Action. Even local priests sought her opinion on the homilies they were preparing to deliver.

During this time, Cecilia's spiritual director, the Servite priest Gabriele Roschini, instructed her to keep a journal documenting her life and her relationship with Christ. This journal, known as "Storia di un Pagliaccio" or "Story of a Clown," covered the period from 29 May 1927 to 12 September 1928. It provided deep insights into her profound spirituality and mystical experiences.

On 1 October 1928, at the young age of 18, Blessed Cecilia Eusepi succumbed to tuberculosis in Nepi, Viterbo, Italy. Remarkably, she had predicted the date of her death following a dream about Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. As she faced her final moments, Cecilia was singing a hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting her unshakable devotion to the Mother of God.

Cecilia Eusepi was laid to rest at the church of San Tolomeo ai Servi in Nepi. However, her remains were re-interred on 16 March 1944. Her reputation for sanctity grew over time, and on 1 June 1987, Pope John Paul II officially recognized her veneration.

The beatification of Blessed Cecilia Eusepi took place on 17 June 2012, facilitated by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification ceremony was held at the Piazza della Bottata in Nepi, Italy, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato. The beatification miracle linked to her was the remarkable healing of Tommaso Ricci, who, on 4 August 1959, recovered from injuries that were expected to be fatal in a traffic accident.

Blessed Cecilia Eusepi's life serves as an example of unwavering faith, even in the face of illness and adversity. Her commitment to Christ and devotion to the Church continue to inspire and guide many believers.