Marianna Amico Roxas
Marianna Amico Roxas, foundress of the Company of Saint Ursula in Sicily, dedicated her life to God in the heart of the world and to the advancement of women.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Birth, education, and thwarted vocation of Marianna Amico Roxas in San Cataldo.
Marianna Amico Roxas was born on December 21, 1883, in San Cataldo, Sicily, into a wealthy Christian family. The daughter of Rosario Amico Roxas and Aurelia Maria Vassallo, she grew up in an environment marked by active charity. Despite her early desire to dedicate herself to God with the Sisters Servants of the Poor at the age of 16, she faced opposition from her family. She accepted this trial in prayer and passed away on June 24, 1947, from complications of intestinal cancer.
Life and Work
Foundation and expansion of the Company of Saint Ursula in Sicily.
On May 6, 1912, Marianna discovered the charism of Saint Angela Merici, who proposed a consecration lived directly in the world. She founded the Company of Saint Ursula in the diocese of Caltanissetta, then extended it to Catania, Caltagirone, and Piazza Armerina. She dedicated herself to the spiritual and cultural formation of its members, particularly women from rural backgrounds, while collaborating with Catholic Action and supporting poor priests.
Path to holiness
Introduction of the cause for beatification and diocesan stages.
After her death, her reputation for holiness grew under the affectionate name of "Mariannina". Her cause for beatification was introduced in the diocese of Caltanissetta. The Holy See granted the nihil obstat on December 14, 1988, and the diocesan inquiry took place from 1989 to 1991. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints validated the procedure in 1993, and the Positio was published in 2006.
Beatification and canonization
Recognition of the heroic nature of her virtues by Pope Benedict XVI.
Following the favorable opinions of the theologians and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI authorized on December 19, 2011, the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, granting her the title of Venerable. A miracle is required for her future beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
Christocentric spirituality and the legacy of her work in Sicily.
Marianna's spirituality is centered on the Eucharist and union with the crucified Christ. Her legacy continues through the Company of Saint Ursula in Sicily and various charitable works in San Cataldo, such as the Caritas listening center and a social assistance center. Her remains rest in the mother church of San Cataldo.
Frequently asked questions about Marianna Amico Roxas
Who was Marianna Amico Roxas?
Marianna Amico Roxas, foundress of the Company of Saint Ursula in Sicily, dedicated her life to God in the heart of the world and to the advancement of women.
Which saints were contemporaries of Marianna Amico Roxas?
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 Marianna Amico Roxas die?
Marianna Amico Roxas died around 1883.
What are the other names of Marianna Amico Roxas?
Other forms of the name: Mariannina.
Who are the relatives of Marianna Amico Roxas?
Relatives of Marianna Amico Roxas: Rosario Amico Roxas (father), Aurelia Maria Vassallo (mother) and Mgr Alberto Vassallo (parent).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1883-1947
- Decree of venerability by Benedict XVI
Quotes
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O my Jesus, I want my life to be a continuous communion...
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May each of you be the monstrance of Jesus
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To have only one desire: to do what God wants and as He wants it; one single intention: the glory of God
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