Blessed Gaetana Sterni

Biography

Blessed Gaetana Sterni, also known as Cajetana Sterni, was born on 26 June 1827 in Cassola, Vicenza, Italy. She was the daughter of Giovanni Battista Sterni and Giovanna Chiuppani, and she had five siblings. Her father served as an administrator for the country property of the Mora, who were members of the Venetian nobility. The family lived comfortably until Gaetana was about 15 years old when tragedy struck. Her elder sister, Margherita, passed away, followed by the death of her father. To add to their financial difficulties, Gaetana's brother Francesco left home to pursue a career as an actor.

As a pious and devoted young girl, Gaetana did her best to support her mother during these challenging times. However, her life took an unexpected turn when Liberale Conte, a widower with three children, offered her a marriage proposal. Gaetana, recognizing this as an opportunity to improve her family's financial situation, accepted the offer. She married Liberale and became pregnant, experiencing a brief period of happiness. However, during prayer one day, Gaetana received a prophetic message foretelling her husband's early death, which tragically came true before their child was born. The baby also passed away shortly after birth, compounding Gaetana's grief.

Adding to her sorrow, her late husband's family demanded that her stepchildren be returned to them, leaving Gaetana alone and destitute at the age of 19. She sought refuge at her mother's house and spent much of her time in prayer, seeking guidance for her future. It was during this period of introspection that Gaetana felt called to the religious life. She joined the Canosian convent at Bassano, Italy, but her mother's death shortly after confirmed another prophetic message she had received while in the convent. Gaetana left her religious community to care for her younger siblings, taking on the role of head of the household for the next six years.

At the age of 26, Gaetana was finally free to pursue her calling. She remembered the message she had received during her time with the Canosian sisters – to devote herself entirely to the service of the poor. With the confirmation of a Jesuit priest, Gaetana began working at the hospice for beggars in Bassano in 1853. For the next 36 years, she dedicated herself to tending to the aged, sick, and dying, offering them compassion and care.

In 1860, at the age of 33, Gaetana made a private vow of total devotion to God, further solidifying her commitment to her mission. Five years later, Gaetana, along with two like-minded friends, established the Daughters of the Divine Will. The congregation was founded on the principle of surrendering oneself completely to God's plans and focused on serving the sick and the poor, particularly those who could still live in their own homes. The bishop of Vicenza approved the congregation in 1875, allowing them to expand their service beyond Italy. Today, the Daughters of the Divine Will continue their work across Europe, America, and Africa.

Blessed Gaetana Sterni passed away on 26 November 1889 due to natural causes. She was buried at the Mother House of the Daughters of the Divine Will in Bassano del Grapo, Vicenza, Italy. Recognizing her exemplary virtues, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 22 January 1991. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 4 November 2001, commemorating her holiness and the great impact of her service to the poor and sick. Her feast day is celebrated on 26 November, honoring her life and her dedication to embodying God's will in her selfless acts of charity.