Rosa Maria Benedetta Gattorno Custo

Anna Rosa Gattorno

Rosa Maria Benedetta Gattorno Custo (14 October 1831 – 6 May 1900), also known as Saint Maria Rosa Gattorno, was an Italian Roman Catholic nun and the founder of the Daughters of Saint Anne. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 9 April 1989 and canonized by him on 18 June 2000. Her life and work have left a significant impact on the Catholic Church, particularly in the field of education and care for the sick and needy.

Early Life

Rosa Maria Benedetta Gattorno was born in Genoa, Italy, into a wealthy family. From a young age, she showed a deep religious sensibility and a desire to dedicate herself to the service of others. Despite her family's expectations for her to lead a conventional life, Gattorno felt a strong calling to a religious vocation.

Marriage and Family

At the age of 21, she married Gerolamo Custo, a sea captain, with whom she had three children. However, her domestic life was marked by tragedy, with the death of two of her children in infancy and her husband's death in 1858. These personal losses deepened her religious faith and commitment to helping others.

Founding of the Daughters of Saint Anne

After the death of her husband, Gattorno devoted herself entirely to charitable works and the care of the sick and poor. In 1866, she founded the Daughters of Saint Anne, a religious congregation dedicated to the education of children, assistance to the elderly, and care for the sick and needy. The congregation quickly spread throughout Italy and later to other countries, including Brazil, Switzerland, and Lebanon.

Spirituality and Legacy

Gattorno's spirituality was characterized by a deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. She was known for her humility, compassion, and tireless dedication to the service of others. Her work with the Daughters of Saint Anne has continued to grow, and the congregation remains active in various charitable activities around the world.

Canonization

Rosa Maria Benedetta Gattorno was beatified on 9 April 1989 and canonized on 18 June 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Her feast day is celebrated on 6 May. She is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church for her unwavering faith and dedication to serving those in need.

See Also

• List of saints of the Catholic Church
• Founders of religious orders
• Catholic Church in Italy