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Daughters of St. Mary of Providence
Our Saints
ST. LOUIS GUANELLA
Louis Guanella was born in the little town of Fraciscio in Northern Italy. In 1881, Fr. Louis founded the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, with the collaboration of mind and heart of Mother Marcellina Bosatta, co-foundress, and her sister, Sister Clare Bosatta.
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The mission that began in the heart of Fr. Louis as a child slowly began to increase as he founded numerous houses for the poor, the abandoned and unwanted in Italy and Switzerland.
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St. Guanella established two religious congregations, the Servants of Charity for men and the DSMPs for women to carry on his mission. He died on October 24, 1915, was beatified on October 24, 1964 and canonized on October 23,2011
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BLESSED CLARE BOSATTA
Sr. Clare Bosatta was born at Pianello Lario on the shores of Lake Como on May 27, 1858 and died in Pianello on April 20, 1887 at the early age of 29. Sr. Clara Bosatta, the sister of our Co- foundress Mother Marcelina spent her
every extra moment in a long prayer giving company with Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist, though they had arduous work of the next day. Her ministry was much appreciated by those who despised Christian piety and neglected
religious duties. She was modest and haste in serving the poor.
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She performed her service with delicate, attention and perfection. In time of sufferings, she would declare candidly that the time of want and hunger had been a very happy time because united in one heart we can adore God and with Jesus lean on the Cross from where issued torrents of sweetness with which she was inebriated. Her sanctity is essentially "love". God makes this love burst forth from the heart of the saint and reveal itself in graces and miracles.
This miracle was performed by Sr. Clara Bosatta to one of our sisters, Sr. Leena Casartelli, a young Guanellian Sister lying at her death bed. Sr. Clara stood beside her bed smiling and said to her, "You are cured, you can get up. Thank Our Lady". She disappeared silently.
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With legal power the Church glorified her and Pope John Paul II proclaimed her "Blessed" on April 21, 1991. Her body rests beside that of St. Luigi Guanella, in the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart, Como, Italy.
Mother Marcellina Bosatta
Sr. Marcellina Bosatta was born on March 21, 1847, in Pianello Lario, Italy, and was baptized on the same day.
After the death of her father in 1861, she took care of her mother and developed a strong devotion to prayer and work.
In 1873, she became the Superior of a small religious institution in Camlago, Italy, dedicated to helping the poor, which later became the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence under Fr. Luigi Guanella's guidance.
Sr. Marcellina played a crucial role in shaping the congregation and was a close collaborator of Fr. Guanella, remaining faithful to her mission until her death on February 4, 1934, at the age of 87.
VENERABLE BISHOP AURELIO BACCIARINI
Aurelio Bacciarini was born on November 8, 1873, in Lavertezzo, Switzerland, to a deeply Catholic family. After being ordained as a priest on June 12, 1897, he served in various pastoral roles, including in the village of Arzo and as a spiritual director in Pollegio. His desire for a more intense spiritual life led him to the Congregation of Fr. Louis Guanella, where he joined the Servants of Charity in 1906, dedicating himself to a life of prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor.
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Bacciarini became the first pastor of the Basilica of St. Joseph in Trionfale, Rome, where he worked for the betterment of the poor and fostered a deep devotion to the Eucharist, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. Following the death of St. Louis Guanella, he succeeded him as the leader of the Servants of Charity and was consecrated Bishop of Lugano on January 21, 1917. His leadership was marked by courage and a balance of mysticism and prayer amid the political and spiritual challenges of the time.
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Bishop Bacciarini devoted his life to both the Servants of Charity and the Diocese of Lugano, guiding them with a spirit of self-sacrifice and deep faith. He passed away on June 27, 1935, and was declared "Venerable" by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. His legacy continues as a model of devotion to the poor, prayer, and spiritual service.
VENERABLE BISHOP AURELIO BACCIARINI
Brother John Vaccari was born on June 5, 1913, in Sanguinetto, near Verona, Italy, to a large family. His mother played a significant role in his early spiritual formation, teaching him prayers and devotion. Although not academically strong, he felt a calling to the priesthood and entered the seminary in Verona. However, his struggles with Latin and mathematics led him to leave, after which he returned to his normal life and became the president of the Catholic Action Association in his community.
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In 1933, John received an invitation from the Servants of Charity, led by Fr. Michael Bacciarini. Though he initially struggled with the idea of becoming a lay brother after failing his seminary exams, he eventually accepted and entered the novitiate in 1934. Assigned as a cook, he found a spiritual path through his work and service. He also served as the "Chaplain of Monteggia," gathering locals for prayer and preaching. He made his first profession in 1936 and final profession in 1939, dedicating his life to the congregation.
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Throughout his life, Brother John undertook various assignments, including assisting Cardinal Clemente Micara and later working in Spain, where he performed many tasks like masonry, shoemaking, and gardening. Despite his busy work, he never neglected his prayer life. Tragically, Brother John died in a car accident on October 9, 1971, while saving a nun. In his will, he requested Masses be said for him, with the rest of his belongings used to provide candies for children. His legacy lives on, and the beatification process is underway.
