Lucia Mangano

In 1919, Lucia joined the Company of Saint Ursula in San Giovanni la Punta, pronouncing her vows there in 1923. Elected substitute superior in 1925, she founded the Casa di Sant'Angela Merici in 1927, which became a center of apostolate and education for young women. In 1929, she was appointed novice mistress for the Archdiocese of Catania. She also collaborated with Father Generoso Fontanarosa to support the foundation of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Mascalucia.

Lucia's journey is marked by a mystical union with the suffering Christ. After a private vow of virginity in 1915, she committed herself in 1923 to always perform what is most perfect. In 1928, under the direction of Father Generoso Fontanarosa, she received the stigmata and relived the sufferings of the Passion each week. In 1932, she made a vow to make the crucified Christ and the Virgin of Sorrows known. She also benefited from the spiritual accompaniment of Father Gabriele Maria Allegra.

A victim of a stroke in Catania, Lucia Mangano passed away on November 10, 1946, in San Giovanni la Punta. Her remains were transferred in 1947 to the chapel of the Casa Sant'Angela. The diocesan process for her beatification opened in Catania on January 11, 1955. On July 2, 1994, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, conferring upon her the title of Venerable. Her cause is ongoing, awaiting the recognition of a miracle.

The spirituality of Lucia Mangano is centered on the Cross and Marian co-redemption. Although she received no formal instruction, she wrote a diary and spiritual writings of great theological depth. Her legacy continues at the Casa Sant'Angela and the sanctuary of Mascalucia. During his visit to Catania on November 5, 1994, Pope John Paul II praised her figure and that of Giuseppina Faro as examples of a dialogue of love with the Lord.