Morello, Brigida di Gesù, Bl.
MORELLO, BRIGIDA DI GESÙ, BL.
Widow, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate; b. June 17, 1610, San Michelle di Pagana di Rapallo (near Genoa), Liguria, Italy; d. Sept. 3, 1679, Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The daughter of the nobles Nicolo Morello and Lavinia Borgese, Brigida had to care for her sibilings when her mother fell gravely ill. Brigida married Matteo Zancari (1633), whom she and her sister Agata aided during his recovery from the 1630 plague. Four years later he died heirless while the couple was besieged in Tabiano Castle during a political upheaval. Thereafter Brigida fell gravely ill and vowed to devote her life to God should she recover. She fulfilled her obligation first by aiding the franciscans of Salsomaggiore and the jesuits of Piacenza, then by taking charge of Saint Ursula's House in Piacenza, which had been founded by Margherita de'Medici Farnese. On Feb.17, 1649, the women who assisted her formed the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate. Brigida cared for the poor and educated children despite continued ill health. On Dec. 18, 1997, a miracle through the intercession of Brigida di Gesù was approved, which led to her beatification by Pope John Paul II, March 15, 1998.
Feast: Sept. 3.
Bibliography: Acta Apostolicae Sedis, no. 8 (1998): 399.
[k. i. rabenstein]