Feast Day: December 15
Patronage: Widows; the poor; founders of religious congregations; those facing civil unrest
Noble Birth and Christian Formation
Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli was born on April 2, 1587, in the noble and devout city of Genoa, Italy. She was the daughter of Giorgio Centurione, who later became Doge of the Republic of Genoa, and Lelia Spinola, of another illustrious Genoese family. Raised in a Catholic household of both privilege and strong moral instruction, Virginia was formed early in the spirituality of detachment and the works of mercy. Though drawn from childhood to the religious life, her father, seeking a political alliance, arranged her marriage.
Marriage and Widowhood
At the age of 15, Virginia was given in marriage to Gasparo Bracelli, a nobleman of less religious disposition. Though the union was difficult—her husband’s worldly habits being at odds with her piety—Virginia bore it with Christian patience, offering her sufferings in union with the Passion of Christ. The couple had two daughters, and only five years into the marriage, Virginia was widowed at the age of 20, left to raise her children alone.
Refusing all further proposals of marriage, Virginia consecrated herself to God in widowhood, following the example of holy women like St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Frances of Rome. She resolved to live in chaste widowhood, embracing a life of austerity, penance, and service to the poor.
Apostolate Among the Poor and Sick
With her wealth and noble connections, Virginia began serving the poor of Genoa, especially during times of great social distress. Famine, plague, and civil strife ravaged Genoa throughout the 1620s and 1630s. Rather than retreating from the chaos, she transformed her home into a refuge, especially for abandoned children, the elderly, and sick women.
This work gradually became more organized, and by 1635, she founded what would become known as the Cento Signore della Misericordia Protettrici dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo (“The Hundred Ladies of Mercy, Protectors of the Poor of Jesus Christ”). Though not a religious order in the strict sense, it adopted many religious practices, and Virginia served as its spiritual mother and superior.
A Life of Humility, Prayer, and Leadership
Though a woman of great activity, Virginia never allowed her work to obscure the primacy of the interior life. She lived in profound union with God through daily mental prayer, devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and penance. She was known for her love of the poor as the image of Christ, and for her meekness and firmness in dealing with the authorities when defending her wards.
The political authorities, at times, attempted to co-opt or interfere in her charitable works. Virginia, with humble resolve, would remind magistrates and governors that the poor were the special treasure of the Church, and their care could not be compromised for temporal concerns.
She was also gifted with supernatural graces, including visions and ecstasies, though she kept these hidden, preferring to be known simply as a servant of Christ and the poor.
Death and Legacy
Virginia died on December 15, 1651, at the age of 64. By that time, her charitable institute had become a stable and widespread presence in Genoa. Though political conflicts would later force a partial suppression of her foundations, her memory endured as a model of lay sanctity, especially for widows and women in public service.
In 1985, Pope John Paul II canonized her, recognizing her heroic virtues, her unwavering devotion to the works of mercy, and her sanctity of life.
Virtues to Emulate
- Charity: Virginia saw Christ in the poor and sick, and spared no effort to serve Him in them.
- Detachment from the World: Despite noble birth and great means, she chose simplicity and service.
- Perseverance in Widowhood: She lived chastely and used her freedom to serve God.
- Prayerfulness: Her active life was grounded in profound prayer and sacramental life.
A Prayer in Honor of Saint Virginia
O God, who called Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli from the comforts of wealth to the hardship of service among the poor and sick, grant that through her intercession, we may embrace the crosses of our state in life, and by lives of charity and prayer, attain to that kingdom where the poor in spirit are richly blessed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.