Blessed Giuseppina Maria De Micheli

Biography

Blessed Giuseppina Maria De Micheli, also known as Maria Pierina de Micheli or Sister Maria Pierina, was born on 11 September 1890 in Milan, Italy. In October 1913, she joined the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception and took the name Sister Maria Pierina when she made her profession on 16 May 1914.

As a member of the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception, Sister Maria served in their motherhouse located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was during her time there that she had a profound religious experience that would shape the rest of her life. Beginning on the first Friday of Lent in 1936, Sister Maria started receiving a series of visions from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. These divine encounters led her to promote devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, and she became instrumental in the introduction of the Holy Face Medal.

The Holy Face Medal served as a physical representation and a powerful reminder of Jesus' suffering during his Passion. Sister Maria Pierina dedicated herself to spreading this devotion and encouraging others to venerate the Holy Face of Jesus through prayer and meditation. Her fervor and dedication to the cause earned her the title of "Apostle of the Holy Face."

Sister Maria Pierina remained faithful to her mission until her death on 26 July 1945 in Centonara d‚ÄôArtú, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy. She passed away peacefully from natural causes.

Her holiness and the impact of her work did not go unnoticed, and on 30 May 2010, she was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI. The beatification recognition was celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

Blessed Giuseppina Maria De Micheli, through her devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus and her unwavering commitment to spreading this devotion, continues to inspire and touch the lives of many believers. Her life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the transformative nature of devotion to Christ. Her Feast Day is celebrated on 26 July.