Saint Giuditta Adelaide Agata Vannini

Biography

Saint Giuditta Adelaide Agata Vannini, also known as Giuseppina Vannini or Josephine Vannini, was born on July 7, 1859, in Rome, Italy. She tragically became an orphan at a young age and was raised in the Torlonia Conservatory on Via Sant'Onofrio under the care of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Growing up in the conservatory, Giuditta received a strong foundation in faith and a deep love for serving the vulnerable and marginalized. Her compassionate nature led her to answer God's call to religious life, and she entered the Daughters' novitiate in Siena, Italy. However, due to her poor health, she was forced to leave the novitiate. In 1891, while on retreat, Giuditta had a life-changing encounter with Blessed Louis Tezza, the procurator general of the Camillians. Blessed Louis was considering the establishment of a women's community dedicated to caring for the sick and invited Giuditta to assist in founding the new congregation. After prayerful discernment, Giuditta responded with a resounding "yes" to this calling. In 1892, Giuditta, along with two companions, received the scapular of Camillian tertiaries, signifying their commitment to the charism of the Camillians. A year later, they professed private vows, dedicating themselves to the service of the sick, even at the risk of their own lives. The congregation steadily grew, and in 1895, Giuditta made her perpetual vows and was elected as the Superior General. When Blessed Louis Tezza was sent to Lima, Peru in 1900, the responsibility for the new congregation fell upon Mother Vannini. Under her leadership, the congregation expanded beyond Italy, reaching France, Belgium, and Argentina. Mother Vannini's devotion to the care of the sick and her strong leadership skills allowed the congregation to flourish and establish a global presence. On February 23, 1911, Saint Giuditta Adelaide Agata Vannini passed away in Rome, Italy, due to natural causes. Her legacy as a compassionate caregiver and dedicated religious leader lived on. Recognizing her heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II proclaimed her venerable on March 7, 1992. On October 16, 1994, Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Vannini, recognizing her holiness and the miracles attributed to her intercession. Finally, on October 13, 2019, Pope Francis canonized her as a saint during a ceremony at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. Though no specific representation or patronage is known for Saint Giuditta Adelaide Agata Vannini, her life of service, devotion, and dedication to the sick continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps. Her unwavering commitment to caring for the vulnerable serves as a shining example for generations to come.