Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio

Biography

Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio, also known as Rosa Curcio, was born on January 30, 1877, in Ispica, a small town in the diocese of Noto, Sicily. She was the seventh child among ten siblings, born to Salvatore Curcio and Concetta Franzú. From an early age, Rosa struggled with diabetes, which caused her to endure various health problems throughout her life. Despite her health challenges, Rosa possessed a sharp intellect and an outgoing personality.

Rosa's formal education was limited to just six years of schooling. However, she compensated for this by educating herself through extensive reading in her family library. It was during one of her readings that she came across the Life of Saint Teresa of Jesus, which deeply impacted her. This encounter occurred at a time when Rosa felt a strong inclination towards religious life.

In 1890, at the age of thirteen, Rosa made the decision to join the Carmelite tertiaries in Ispica, Italy, despite facing objections from her family. Seeking to discern if she was ready for community life, Rosa and a few other tertiaries moved in together. Later, she transferred to Modica, Italy, where she took charge of the Carmela Polara. This institution focused on providing support to impoverished and orphaned girls.

Rosa's commitment to her faith led her to travel to Rome on May 17, 1925, to attend the canonization of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. Following this experience, she relocated to Santa Marinella, in the diocese of Porto Santa Rufina, Italy, on July 3, 1925, to dedicate herself to serving the poor of the area. In Santa Marinella, she founded the Congregation of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. The congregation obtained official recognition in 1930, with a mission to "bring souls to God" by providing food to the underprivileged, educating children, and supporting families.

The Carmelite Missionary Sisters of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus continued to flourish under Rosa's guidance. Her devotion to the mission was unwavering, and she longed to personally embark on missionary work. Sadly, due to her persistent health issues, Rosa was unable to fulfill this calling. Instead, she lovingly devoted herself to taking care of her sisters and encouraging them to venture out into the world.

Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio passed away on July 4, 1957, in Santa Marinella, at the age of 80, from natural causes. Her impact and virtuous life were recognized by Pope John Paul II, who declared her venerable on December 20, 2002, citing her heroic virtues. Later, on November 13, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI beatified her, and the recognition was celebrated by Cardinal Saraiva Martins at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy.

The legacy of Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio lives on through the Congregation of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, which continues to carry out her charitable work. In 1947, Rosa sent the Sisters to Brazil, expanding the reach and impact of the congregation. Today, the Congregation remains dedicated to fulfilling its mission, inspired by the life and example of Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio.