Claudia Russo

The work of Claudia Russo is intertwined with the foundation of the Poor Daughters of the Visitation of Mary. In 1917, her group obtained its first room in Barra. Following the tragic death of an isolated old woman, the group decided to found a shelter for abandoned elderly people. The Pia Casa was inaugurated on June 20, 1926. Cardinal Alessio Ascalesi approved the institute at the diocesan level on March 12, 1933, the day Claudia pronounced her public vows and became Superior General. The institute subsequently expanded to San Giuseppe Vesuviano in 1935 and received the pontifical decree of praise in 1947.

Mother Claudia Russo passed away on March 11, 1964, in Barra following a cerebral hemorrhage, after having fulfilled a final community visit out of obedience the day before. Initially interred in the Barra cemetery, her mortal remains were transferred on June 24, 1971, to the chapel of the congregation's Mother House in Naples due to her enduring reputation for holiness.

The cause for beatification began with the nihil obstat from Rome on March 15, 1980. The diocesan process took place from 1982 to 1989 in Naples. After the validation of the inquiry in 1993 and the submission of the Positio in 1996, the theological consultants and then the cardinals gave a favorable opinion. On December 20, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, thereby declaring her venerable.

The spirituality of Claudia Russo is centered on the mystery of the Visitation, exhorting her sisters to bring Christ to others with her motto: "Bacia la terra e corri!" (Kiss the earth and run!). She also had a great devotion to the Child Jesus. Today, the congregation continues its work with the elderly and the youth in Italy, as well as in Brazil, Ecuador, and Togo.