Feb. 3 Blessed Giuseppina Nicoli, D.C.

Giuseppina Nicoli (1863-1924) was born in Casatisma (Pavia) Italy on November 18, 1863, the fifth of ten children. Prior to her entrance of the House of San Salvario of the Daughters of Charity in Turin on September 24, 1883, she had received an extensive education. After completing initial formation at the Motherhouse in Paris, she was sent on mission to serve the poor on the island of Sardinia, Italy, in 1884.

Sister Giuseppina worked at the Providenza Conservatory in Cagliari from 1885 to 1899. She pronounced Vows for the first time on December 25, 1888. While working in Cagliari, she catechized youngsters and workers.

In June, 1899 Sister Giuseppina was named Sister Servant (local superior) of the Sassari orphanage. Sister encountered difficulties running the orphanage, difficulties caused largely by distrustful administrators. She continued her work, in time gaining recognition for her dedication, courage and good will. In Sassari she continued her work in religious education for needy people of all ages. At a time when religious education was not being included in school curricula, she arranged this for girls from wealthy families. The Associazione dei Figli di Maria (Association of the Sons of Mary) was promoted by her and she directed the Associazione delle Figlie di Maria (Association of the Daughters of Mary). She provided a model of direct service to the poor, especially orphans and the ill, and introduced other sisters to the ministry of visiting the incarcerated.

Sister was called to the motherhouse in 1910, where she worked until 1913. She first served as Province administrator and then directed education for those in formation. In January, 1913, in the belief that the Sardinian climate would be better for Sister Giuseppina's health, the Provincial Council sent her again as Superior to Sassari. After a brief but difficult period there, she was moved to Cagliari and arrived there on August 7, 1914. She was Sister Servant at the Asilo della Marina (Preschool of the Marina) and remained in Cagliari until her death.

On July 6, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI authorized promulgation of a decree concerning her cause. Her beatification ceremony took place on February 3, 2008 in Cagliari Italy and was presided by Cardinal José Saraiva Martíns, Prefect of the Congregation of the Saints.