Rachele Lalia
Italian religious and foundress of the congregation of the Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus, she dedicated her life to the education of the poor and the unity of Christians.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
The life of Rachele Lalia, from her birth in Sicily to her death in exile in Ceglie Messapica.
Rachele Lalia was born on May 20, 1839 (or May 17) in Misilmeri, Sicily. The daughter of Vincenzo Lalia and Maria Antonia Bonanno, she entered the Collegio di Maria in 1854 and took the Dominican habit in 1856 under the name Maria Antonia del Sacro Cuore. Elected superior in 1865, she defended her monastery during the Risorgimento. Driven by a desire to work for the unity of Christians and to go to Russia, she was directed to Rome by her spiritual advisor, Father Alberto Lepidi. There, in 1893, she founded the congregation of the Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus. Removed from leadership in 1910 due to internal tensions, she went into exile in Ceglie Messapica, where she died on April 9, 1914.
Life and Work
The foundation and development of the congregation of the Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus.
On January 17, 1893, Maria Antonia established herself in Rome in the former convent of San Sisto Vecchio, founding the Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus. The institute is dedicated to the instruction of poor and illiterate children. The congregation received diocesan approval in 1905, the decree of praise in 1936 by Pius XI, and the definitive approval of the Holy See in 1943. Today, the sisters work in education, pastoral care, and health, in Italy, Russia, and Latin America.
Path to holiness
The process of examining the cause for beatification of Maria Antonia del Sacro Cuore di Gesù.
The cause for beatification was introduced in the Diocese of Oria. The diocesan inquiry into her reputation for holiness and her virtues took place from September 10, 1985, to April 8, 1986. The validity of this inquiry was recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on October 10, 1986. After examination of the Positio by historical consultants, theologians, cardinals, and bishops, the heroic nature of her virtues was officially recognized.
Beatification and canonization
The declaration of venerability by Pope Francis in 2015.
On June 5, 2015, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of Maria Antonia del Sacro Cuore di Gesù (Rachele Lalia), officially declaring her Venerable. Her cause is ongoing, awaiting the recognition of a miracle for her beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
The spiritual pillars of the venerable and the endurance of her work.
The spirituality of Maria Antonia Lalia is based on the Dominican school, drawing inspiration from Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena. Its pillars are heroic obedience and humility in the face of trials, a missionary and ecumenical impulse directed toward the unity of Christians (notably with Russia), and a profound devotion to Christ crucified and the Virgin Mary. Her legacy is perpetuated through the Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus.
Frequently asked questions about Rachele Lalia
Who was Rachele Lalia?
Italian religious and foundress of the congregation of the Dominican Missionary Sisters of Saint Sixtus, she dedicated her life to the education of the poor and the unity of Christians.
Which saints were contemporaries of Rachele Lalia?
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 Rachele Lalia die?
Rachele Lalia died around 1839.
What are the other names of Rachele Lalia?
Other forms of the name: Maria Antonia del Sacro Cuore di Gesù and Maria Antonia del Sacro Cuore.
Who are the relatives of Rachele Lalia?
Relatives of Rachele Lalia: Vincenzo Lalia (father) and Maria Antonia Bonanno (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: 1839-1914
- Decree of venerability by Francis
Quotes
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To Russia your daughters will go, not you. Your Russia will be Rome
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