Luigia Poloni —baptismal name of who would later be known as Mother Vincenza Maria— was born in Verona, Italy, on January 26, 1802. Her life unfolded in the heart of a city that in the 19th century was fertile in saints and founders. From adolescence, she entrusted herself to the spiritual direction of the blessed Carlo Steeb, who guided her on a path of solid faith and generous dedication to others.
She lived with her family until the age of 38, collaborating with great dedication in her father's grocery store and pharmacy. That simple and laborious life was always marked by faith and a special sensitivity towards the poor and the sick.
Vocation of Service to the Sick
Luigia volunteered at the Pio Ricovero, a Veronese charity institution that welcomed chronic patients and people in need of care. Her charity also extended to the homes of those who could not be attended to at the center.
The beginning of the work that would mark her life occurred in 1840, when along with three companions she was hired as a nurse at the Pio Ricovero. From then on, they began to live in community in small rooms next to the women's ward. On the advice of their spiritual director, these women embraced serious religious formation, with the conviction that serving the poor was serving Christ himself.
Foundation of the Sisters of Mercy
From 1846 onwards, Luigia was appointed governess of the Pio Ricovero, and in 1847 she also took on the supervision of the school for women and girls attached to the institute. Her generous and constant work attracted new vocations.
On September 10, 1848, she and twelve companions took their religious vows, and it was then that she adopted the name of Vincenza Maria. In this way, the congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was officially born, destined to unite consecrated life with concrete service to the poor and sick. Under her guidance, the first three houses were soon founded.
“We must be holy, as the Lord desires, who by his goodness called us to a state of perfection in the service of the poor, who are our lords”.
These words summarized the spirit of the congregation: humility, holiness, and total dedication.
Last Years and Death
A wound in the chest was the first sign of the illness that gradually weakened her. Despite her sufferings, she never stopped encouraging her sisters to live their vocation with joy. Mother Vincenza Maria died in Verona on November 11, 1855, at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of charity and service that continues to live on today in the work of the Sisters of Mercy.
Recognition by the Church
Pope Benedict XVI beatified her on September 21, 2008, recognizing in her a woman who knew how to unite contemplation and action, deep faith and concrete dedication.
On this October 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will canonize her, proclaiming her a saint of the universal Church and presenting her to the world as an example of a consecrated woman who made mercy the path to sanctification.
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