Virginia Centurione Bracelli

Virginia Centurione Bracelli ( born April 2, 1587 Genoa; † December 15, 1651 in Genoa) was benefactress, foundress and mystic. It is beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1985 in her birthplace, and was recorded in 2003 under the Holy Roman Catholic Church.

Church History circumstances of the time

In the 16th century it came to the Protestant Reformation with the branding of excesses in the papacy and in parallel to an in-depth reform of the Catholic Church. In Italy, the coast republics had their previously strong position in trade with the Middle and Far East, such as the spices forfeited. Through the discovery of the New World and other sea routes to trade shifted to Spain and Portugal. Northern Italy was in the tension of the great powers, the Papal States was militarily weak. Genoa ruled over Corsica.

Life

The Duke 's daughter had married against their will at the age of 15 years and gave birth in marriage with Gaspare Grimaldi Bracelli two daughters. Five years after the marriage, her husband died. She brought up her children in the home of his parents. Over time, her penchant developed to charity. In the war between Genoa and Savoy in the years 1624 and 1625 it provided a home for the persecuted. When the law was died in 1625, Virginia founded the Center of the Lord of Mercy, the patron of the poor, Jesus Christ.

Six years later, Virginia took care in another property to the care of plague victims and starving. Led by their sisterhood eased the hardships of over 300 needy. On the management tasks in the poorhouse and Congregation Virginia renounced after a few years because she wanted to take all the pastoral - Samaritan work for the poor on the road.

In disagreements of the stands in Genoa she could often prove as a mediator. She made a name for himself as a mystic.

Remembrance

The mortal remains of Virginia Centurione Bracelli are now in the mother house in the Genoese neighborhood Marassi.

On December 15, the Church of the Holy recalls.