Blessed Maria Teresa Of Jesus

Biography

Blessed Maria Teresa of Jesus, also known as Maria Scrilli, was born on 15 May 1825 in Montevarchi, Arezzo, Italy. Her life was marked by profound experiences of faith and a strong calling to the religious life. At a young age, Maria fell ill with an unknown illness that left her bedridden for two years. It was during this time that she had a vision of Saint Fiorenzo, which miraculously cured her.

Following her recovery, Maria felt a deep spiritual calling and entered the monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi in Florence on 28 May 1846. However, after two months, she realized that the cloistered life was not her true vocation and made the decision to leave. She then became a Carmelite tertiary and took the name Maria Teresa of Jesus.

Returning to her hometown, Maria began teaching secular and religious topics to local girls, effectively starting a small school for them. As she searched for a place to establish a formal school, the town council asked her to take over a local school. She accepted, and this opportunity became the foundation for a religious institute.

On 15 October 1854, Mother Maria founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This institute initially focused on education and formed a religious community. However, during a period of anti-clerical sentiment in Italy on 30 November 1859, her institute faced dissolution, and the school was secularized.

Despite this setback, Mother Maria worked tirelessly, waiting for years to revive her community. Finally, on 18 March 1878, she successfully resurrected the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Florence, Italy. The community ran a school, boarding house, and Marian association. They lived their vocation through teaching, parish work, and visiting the sick.

Blessed Maria Teresa of Jesus dedicated her life to the service of God and others. Her institute expanded beyond Italy to Brazil, India, Indonesia, Israel, Poland, Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and the Czech Republic. The sisters engaged in teaching, catechizing, and caring for the sick and aged.

Maria Scrilli, also known as Blessed Maria Teresa of Jesus, passed away on 14 November 1889 in Florence, Italy, due to natural causes. Her legacy of faith and service continues to inspire and uplift others. Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 20 December 2003, and she was beatified on 8 October 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. The recognition of her sanctity was celebrated by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins at the Roman Amphitheater in Fiesole, Italy.

Blessed Maria Teresa of Jesus is a shining example of a dedicated religious leader and educator, who showed great resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity. Her community of sisters continues to carry out her mission of spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the world.