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Feast Day: February 27
Birth: June 1, 1781
Death: February 27, 1855
Blessed Francinaina Cirer Carbonell, also known as Francinaina of the Sorrowful Mother of God, was born on 1 June 1781 in Sencelles, Mallorca, Islas Baleares, Spain. She was the youngest of six children born to Paulo Cirer and Joan Carbonell, and grew up in a devout and pious home.
Despite receiving no formal education and never learning to read or write, Francinaina's deep faith and spirituality manifested itself at a young age. At the age of 7, in 1788, she received the Sacrament of Confirmation, followed by her first Holy Communion in 1791 at the age of 10.
Feeling a call to religious life, Francinaina desired to join a religious order, but family obligations kept her at home. Nevertheless, she dedicated herself to serving others as a committed lay person, offering her assistance to the poor, teaching catechism, visiting the sick, and performing various acts of mercy.
In 1798, at the age of 17, Francinaina became a Franciscan Tertiary, embracing the spirituality and charism of the Franciscan Order. This allowed her to live out her desire for a deeper commitment to God while fulfilling her family obligations.
Francinaina's reputation for holiness continued to grow, and people sought her spiritual advice and guidance. She became renowned for reconciling troubled marriages, using her empathy and wisdom to heal fractured relationships. Her innate ability to bring peace and harmony to couples earned her the admiration and respect of her community.
In 1813, Francinaina joined the Brotherhood of the Holy Sacrament in her parish, further deepening her devotion to the Eucharist and promoting reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
Throughout her life, Francinaina experienced profound mystical experiences. She was known to receive visions of angels and was even observed levitating during prayer, a sign of her extraordinary closeness to God.
On 7 December 1851, together with two like-minded local women, Francinaina founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of Mallorca. Taking on the name Francinaina of the Sorrowful Mother of God, she established a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized. The Sisters of Charity became a testament to her unwavering commitment to live out the Gospel through acts of love and service.
In her later years, Francinaina's health began to decline, and on 27 February 1855, she passed away in her hometown of Sencelles, Mallorca, Islas Baleares, Spain, due to a stroke. Despite her humble origins and lack of formal education, her life of faith and dedication to others left an indelible impact.
Recognizing her heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II declared Francinaina Cirer Carbonell venerable on 21 March 1985. Her beatification took place on 1 October 1989 at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy, further affirming her sanctity and her place among the blessed in the Catholic Church.
Blessed Francinaina Cirer Carbonell continues to inspire and intercede for those seeking spiritual guidance, especially in the area of troubled relationships and the care of the poor and marginalized. Her life exemplifies the transformative power of faith, compassion, and selfless service, reminding believers of the potential for holiness even in the midst of ordinary circumstances.