Blessed Eurosia Fabris

Biography

Blessed Eurosia Fabris, also known as Eurosia Fabris Barban, Mamma Rosa, and Rosina Fabris, was born on 27 September 1866 in Quinto Vicentino, Italy. She was the daughter of Luigi and Maria Fabris and grew up in a farm family. Eurosia was affectionately called Rosina during her childhood.

In 1870, when Eurosia was four years old, her family relocated to Marola di Torri, Italy, where she remained for the rest of her life. Due to financial constraints, she had to leave school at the age of eight, in 1874, to assist her parents with farm work. However, she continued to learn valuable skills from her mother, particularly dress-making.

At the age of twelve, Rosina made her First Communion and joined the Association of the Daughters of Mary in Marola. She developed a strong devotion to various aspects of her Catholic faith, including the Holy Spirit, the infant Jesus, the Cross of Christ, the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary, and the souls in Purgatory.

During her teenage years, Rosina took up teaching catechism to children, spreading her knowledge and faith to others. She also dedicated her time to teaching girls how to sew. Despite receiving numerous marriage proposals, Eurosia consistently declined them and committed herself to a different calling.

In 1885, a neighbor woman passed away, leaving behind two young children. Eurosia stepped in and began caring for the orphaned children. It was on 5 May 1886, that Rosina married Carlo Barban, and together they welcomed the two children into their home. The couple went on to have nine children of their own, forming a large and loving family. Their home became a gathering place for children from the entire village, earning Eurosia the endearing nickname Mamma Rosa.

Remarkably, three of her sons went on to become priests, while one of them later became her biographer. Despite her responsibilities as a mother and caregiver, Mamma Rosa managed to maintain a deep prayer life. She was the spiritual and practical core of her family, known for her great charity towards the poor. She frequently extended her help to those in need, feeding the hungry and nursing the sick.

Eurosia was widowed in 1930, but she continued to live a life of devotion to her Catholic faith as a Franciscan tertiary. Her home remained an exemplary Christian community, offering solace and support to family and friends alike.

Blessed Eurosia Fabris passed away on 8 January 1932 at Marola di Torri, Vicenza, Italy, at the age of 65, from natural causes. She was laid to rest in the church in Marola di Torri. Her virtues were officially recognized on 7 July 2003 by Pope John Paul II, who declared her heroic. On 6 November 2005, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Eurosia, and the celebratory recognition took place in Vincenza, Italy, led by Cardinal Saraiva Martins.