Maria Elisabetta Renzi
Maria Elisabetta Renzi (1786-1859) was an Italian religious sister, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, beatified in 1989 by John Paul II.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Birth in Saludecio, education with the Poor Clares, entry into the Augustinians of Pietrarubbia interrupted by Napoleonic decrees, and call to Coriano.
Maria Elisabetta Renzi was born on November 19, 1786, in Saludecio, in the province of Rimini. The second of seven children of Giambattista Renzi and Vittoria Boni, she was educated at the monastery of the Poor Clares in Mondaino. On September 25, 1807, she entered the Augustinians of Pietrarubbia, but had to leave in 1810 due to the Napoleonic decrees. After a fall from a horse in 1821, which she interpreted as a divine call, she was directed by her spiritual director, Father Vitale Corbucci, to Coriano to lead a conservatory for poor young girls, where she arrived on April 29, 1824.
Life and Work
Direction of the Conservatory of Coriano, drafting of the rule of the Poor of the Crucified, and foundation of the Pious Teachers of Our Lady of Sorrows.
In Coriano, Elisabetta dedicated herself to the education of disadvantaged young girls. She officially took over the direction of the establishment in 1828 and drafted the Regolamento delle Povere del Crocifisso. On December 10, 1830, the Bishop of Rimini, Msgr. Ottavio Zollio, gave the community the name of "Pious Teachers of Our Lady of Sorrows." The congregation was canonically erected on August 22, 1839, by Msgr. Francesco Gentilini. On August 29, 1839, Elisabetta and ten companions pronounced their vows. The institute developed rapidly in several cities before she passed away on August 14, 1859.
Path to Sainthood
Opening of the cause for beatification, recognition of heroic virtues, and the miracle of the healing of Sister Agostina Galli.
The cause for beatification opened in 1965 under Paul VI. The diocesan inquiry concluded in 1968. On February 8, 1988, John Paul II proclaimed her Venerable. The miracle accepted is the scientifically inexplicable healing of Sister Agostina Galli in March 1959, who was suffering from severe tuberculous peritonitis and pleurisy, after invoking the intercession of the foundress. This miracle was ratified by the Vatican on October 10, 1986.
Beatification and canonization
Beatification by Pope John Paul II on June 18, 1989, and the setting of her liturgical memorial on August 14.
Maria Elisabetta Renzi was proclaimed blessed by Pope John Paul II on June 18, 1989, at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Her liturgical memorial is set for August 14, the day of her death. Her mortal remains rest in the chapel of the Mother House of the congregation in Coriano.
Spirituality and legacy
Spirituality centered on the Cross and Divine Providence, and the international expansion of the congregation.
Elisabetta Renzi's spirituality is centered on the mystery of the Cross, abandonment to Divine Providence, and devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. Her legacy is perpetuated through the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. After an initial mission in Louisiana in 1947, the sisters now work in Italy, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Maria Elisabetta Renzi
Frequently asked questions about Maria Elisabetta Renzi
Who was Maria Elisabetta Renzi?
Maria Elisabetta Renzi (1786-1859) was an Italian religious sister, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, beatified in 1989 by John Paul II.
What is Maria Elisabetta Renzi the patron saint of?
Patronage of Maria Elisabetta Renzi: Éducatrices, Educators, Jeunes filles pauvres and Poor young girls.
What is Maria Elisabetta Renzi invoked for?
Maria Elisabetta Renzi is invoked for: Guérison de la péritonite tuberculeuse, Healing of tuberculous peritonitis, Guérison de la pleurésie and Healing of pleurisy.
How is Maria Elisabetta Renzi depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Maria Elisabetta Renzi is recognizable by: Habit of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows and Crucifix.
What miracles are attributed to Maria Elisabetta Renzi?
2 miracles are attributed to this saint, notably: Protection / deliverance and Healing.
Which saints were contemporaries of Maria Elisabetta Renzi?
Contemporaries include: Jesús María Echavarría Aguirre, Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Narcisa de Jesús and Juan de Jesús López y González.
When did Maria Elisabetta Renzi die?
Maria Elisabetta Renzi died around 1859.
What are the other names of Maria Elisabetta Renzi?
Other forms of the name: Elisabetta Renzi and Élisabeth Renzi.
Who are the relatives of Maria Elisabetta Renzi?
Relatives of Maria Elisabetta Renzi: Giambattista Renzi (father) and Vittoria Boni (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1859
- Beatification in 1989 by John Paul II
Quotes
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When the present seemed so painful to me and the future even darker, I would close my eyes and abandon myself, like a little creature in the arms of the Father who is in heaven
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