Sisters of the Poor of St. Catherine of Siena: Story and Charism

Summary

The video script narrates the inspiring story of Blessed Savina Petrilli, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor in Siena, Italy. Born in 1851, Savina's life was marked by a deep love for Christ, the Eucharist, the cross, the Church, and the poor. The congregation, established at her 22, has since expanded globally, focusing on education, home visitations, and healthcare for the needy. The script highlights the sisters' commitment to embody Christ's love and serve the universal church, with a special emphasis on joy and the charism inherited from St. Catherine of Siena.

Takeaways

• 🎵 The script begins with music and an introduction to the congregation by the boys with a grateful heart.
• 🕊️ The congregation was founded by Blessed Savina Petralli, a servant of God, born in Siena, Italy on August 29, 1851.
• 🏠 Savina's early life was marked by a miraculous recovery from being believed dead, which led to her baptism the following day.
• 🌟 Influenced by Saint Catherine of Siena, Savina was inspired to follow in her footsteps and was later encouraged by Pope Pius IX.
• 🔥 At the age of 22, Savina began establishing the congregation with a strong passion for the love of Christ and neighbor.
• 🏡 The mother house in Viterbo, established on September 7, 1874, was the first home for the sisters and remains the mother house to this day.
• 💒 The Church of the Visitation, next to the mother house, is where each sister makes their perpetual profession vows.
• 👗 The religious habit of the sisters signifies their consecration and commitment to a simple life within the religious family.
• 💍 The ring received during perpetual profession symbolizes an indissoluble union with Christ and the congregation.
• 🌟 The congregation's charism includes four great loves: the Eucharist, the cross, the Church, and the poor, inherited from Saint Catherina of Siena.
• 🌏 The sisters' apostolate includes catechesis, educational assistance, home visitation to the poor and prisoners, and assistance to the sick.
• 📚 The congregation also manages schools and universities, with some sisters serving as theology professors.
• 🌱 The congregation has grown and expanded globally, with communities in Brazil, Argentina, India, the Philippines, Ecuador, and Germany.
• 👩‍💼 The congregation is currently led by Mother Liliana Quesada SDP, who continues the spiritual legacy of Blessed Savina Petralli.

Q & A

Who founded the religious congregation mentioned in the script?

The religious congregation was founded by Blessed Savina Petrilli, also known as Savina Maria Petreoli.

What was the birth date and place of Savina Maria Petreoli?

Savina Maria Petreoli was born on the 29th of August 1851 in Siena, Tuscany, Italy.

What was the significance of the street where Savina's family resided?

The street, Via del Costone, was significant as it was the location of the modest building where Savina's family lived, and it is mentioned as a steep climbing narrow street.

What miraculous event occurred in Savina's early life?

A miraculous event in Savina's early life was when she was believed to be dead, covered with a sheet, and left for six hours, but she was found alive.

What was the influence of Saint Catherine of Siena on Savina's life?

Saint Catherine of Siena influenced Savina's life by providing a saintly example that inspired her to live a life deeply in love and impressed by the saint's life.

At what age did Savina begin the work of establishing the congregation?

Savina began the work of establishing the congregation at the age of 22.

What is the significance of the Mother House in Venice?

The Mother House in Venice is significant as it was the first place where the sisters of the poor entered on September 7, 1874, and it has remained the mother house to this day.

What is the importance of the Church of the Visitation to the congregation?

The Church of the Visitation is important because it is adjacent to the mother house and is the place where each sister of the poor makes their perpetual profession of vows.

What does the religious habit signify for the sisters of the congregation?

The religious habit is a sign of the sisters' consecration and a testimony of their embrace of a simple life and belonging to the religious family, becoming part of their identity.

What are the four great loves inherited by the congregation from Saint Catherine of Siena?

The four great loves are love for the Eucharist, love for the cross, love for the Church, and love for the poor.

In what ways does the congregation serve the poor and needy?

The congregation serves the poor and needy through catechesis, educational assistance, home visitation, assistance to prisoners, and providing healthcare services, including in retirement centers.

How has the congregation expanded geographically?

The congregation has expanded to different houses and communities in various countries including Brazil, Argentina, India, Philippines, Ecuador, and Germany.

Who is the current head of the congregation?

The current head of the congregation is Mother Liliana Quesada SDP.