Dear Friends,
20th October, is the Feast of St Maria Bertilla Boscardin (born Annetta, 1888 - 1922).
Considered a spiritual sister of Therese of Lisieux and Bernadette of Lourdes she is an example of humility and courage, a very interesting saint for our times.
Still very young she wanted to become a num. Her parish priest did not find her suitable: “But you are not able to do anything!” He exclaimed. “The nuns would not know what to do with you!”
“That is true, master,” Annetta answered quite candidly, and accepted his advice that she remain at home, working in the fields.
However, upon reflection in front of the Blessed Sacrament later that evening, the same priest realized that Annetta was called to serve God. He called her back to him, asking “Are you still decided on entering a convent? Tell me something: do you know how to peel potatoes at least?”
“Oh yes, Father, I am able to do that at least."
“Oh yes, Father, I am able to do that at least."
With keen insight, he agreed, saying “Alright, you need to know nothing else.”
He also presented her with a small copy of the Catechism, which she carried with her every day of her life, and was discovered in the pocket of her habit upon her death at age 33.
Annetta took the name of Maria Bertilla and said to her novice mistress of the Sisters of St. Dorothy: "I can't do anything. I'm a poor thing, a goose. Teach me. I want to be a saint."
She is also known for what could be called her motto in life: For God the glory, for those around me the joys and for me the crosses.
She took care of the sick children and the wounded soldiers during World War I with such a dedication that she became the most well know sister in town touching and converting atheistic doctors and patients. Some of them were even present at her canonization in 1961.
A memorial plaque described the saint as "a chosen soul of heroic goodness . . . an angelic alleviator of human suffering…"
Deacon Arthur - Heralds of the Gospel
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