Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi

Biography

Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi, also known as Ecumenical Flame, Elisa Angela Meneguzzi, Sister Great (meaning of Gudda), Sister Gudda (Ethiopian nickname), and Sister Liduina, was born on September 12, 1901, in Abano Terme, Padua, Italy. She was born into a poor farm family and from a young age, Liduina exhibited great piety. She attended daily Mass, prayed fervently, and even started teaching catechism as soon as she was old enough. It was clear that Liduina was deeply drawn to the religious life.

At the age of 14, Liduina left her family and began working as a servant for local wealthy families and in the hotels around the hot springs of Abano. Despite her humble position, she remained steadfast in her faith. On March 5, 1926, Liduina answered the call to religious life and joined the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Francis de Sales.

Liduina dedicated herself to serving others within the Congregation. For years, she worked at the Santa Croce boarding school, where she took on various roles including housekeeper, sacristan, nurse, and mentor to the girls. Her caring and nurturing spirit made her a beloved figure among the community.

In 1937, Liduina was finally given the opportunity to embark on a mission in Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia. This cosmopolitan city encompassed people from diverse backgrounds, races, and religions, including Catholics, Copts, Muslims, and native pagans. Liduina's primary role in Dire-Dawa was that of a nurse in the Parini Civil Hospital. Initially, she cared for civilian patients, but with the outbreak of World War II, her focus shifted towards tending to the injured soldiers.

During the bombing raids, Liduina fearlessly ventured out into the streets, carrying the wounded to safety. She even baptized dying children and led Christians on their deathbeds through acts of contrition. Liduina's selfless acts of mercy and devotion to the afflicted were a testament to her unwavering faith.

Working closely with people of different religions and backgrounds in Ethiopia provided Liduina with a unique opportunity to discuss and share her faith. She embraced ecumenism long before the term became widely recognized, and her efforts paved the way for the later interfaith dialogue of Vatican II.

Tragically, Liduina's life was cut short by cancer, and she passed away on December 2, 1941, in Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia. Due to the deep affection the injured soldiers had for her, Liduina was buried in the military graveyard at Dire-Dawa. In July 1961, her relics were translated to the motherhouse of the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Francis de Sales in Padua, Italy.

Blessed Liduina Meneguzzi's heroic virtues and exemplary life of service were officially recognized by the Catholic Church. On June 25, 1996, Pope John Paul II issued a decree on her heroic virtues, confirming her veneration. Liduina was beatified on October 20, 2002, by Pope John Paul II, acknowledging her exceptional sanctity and the impact she had on those whose lives she touched. Her beatification serves as an inspiration for all believers, as she exemplified great love, compassion, and dedication to God and humanity.