Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ouagadougou (Fides Service) - During a recent visit to Italy, through the Trinitarian Fathers, Camillian Brother Giovanni Grigoletto learned more about the figure and spirituality of Blessed Elisabetta Canori Mora, beatified by Pope John Paul II 24 April 1994. Profoundly touched by this mother so devoted to the Christian education of her children, on his return to Burkina Faso Brother Grigoletto Rimasto shared her story with the African community.
Elisabetta Canori Mora was born in Rome 1774. In 1796 she married a young lawyer who betrayed her only a few months later, abandoned the home and dissipated the family patrimony. Despite physical and psychological violence suffered, she remained faithful to her husband. She took educated her two daughters and looked after the home and began also to care for the poor and the sick, while not neglecting her prayers. Many people turned to her for material and spiritual needs. She gave special attention to families in difficulty. All this activity became more intense when she entered with enthusiasm the Trinitarian Secular Order. Despite her fame for holiness and healing powers, she remained poor and humble at the service of the poor and those furthest from God.
“For the people of Burkina Faso this Christian lay woman can be an example for various fields where life and not only physical life is threatened - Brother Grigoletto told Fides-. For example with regard to family unity and fidelity in marriage, charity and care for terminally ill, Christian witness among Muslim brothers and sisters, or followers of traditional African religions”.
The beatification of this woman, in the Year of the Family, underlined the originality of this mother and wife totally dedicated to the poor and the needy, in keeping with the charisma of the Trinitarian Fathers which she embraced and lived. (AP/GG) (17/12/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:31; Parole:366)
