Brigida Morello Zancano

In 1646, to respond to the wish of Duchess Margherita de' Medici, Brigida gathered young women in her home. On February 17, 1649, she officially founded the community of the Ursulines of Piacenza with her first five companions. She initially took on the duties of bursar before becoming superior in 1665. Despite fragile health, she dedicated herself fully to the Christian education of young girls and to the spiritual direction of the institute.

Brigida's life was marked by mystical experiences and long suffering. In 1659, afflicted with an incurable tumor, she was inexplicably healed after anointing herself with oil from the lamp of Saint Francis Xavier. She died on September 3, 1679, in Piacenza. Her cause for beatification, supported by Duke Ranuccio II Farnese, progressed in the 20th century with the opening of the process in 1927. She was proclaimed Venerable by John Paul II on April 29, 1980.

The beatification of Brigida Morello is based on the miraculous healing, on March 9, 1681, of Sister Francesca Saveria Caprini, who was suffering from severe ulcerated wounds on her right arm. The decree confirming this miracle was promulgated on December 18, 1997. She was solemnly beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 15, 1998, in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. Her liturgical feast is set for September 3.

Brigida's spirituality is based on absolute trust in Divine Providence, summarized by her motto: "Trust, trust, great heart! God is our Father and He will never abandon us!". She also had a great devotion to the crucified Christ and to the Immaculate Conception. Today, her sisters continue her work of education and aid to the needy in Italy, India, Brazil, and Africa.