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.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Founding of the Congregation and Life of Savina Maria Petreli

This paragraph introduces the religious congregation founded by Savina Maria Petreli, a servant of God born in Siena, Italy, on August 29, 1851. The narrative describes her early life, including a miraculous recovery as an infant, and her family's devout Christian background. Savina was deeply influenced by Saint Catherine of Siena and was inspired by Pope Pius IX's call to action. At the age of 22, she began her mission to establish the congregation, driven by a profound love for Christ and her neighbor. The paragraph also mentions the mother house in Viterbo, where the first sisters entered in 1874, and the significant year of 1881 for the institute's growth and development.

05:01

🛕 The Church of the Visitation and the Sisters' Consecration

The second paragraph focuses on the Church of the Visitation, adjacent to the mother house, where Savina vowed to build a temple of thanksgiving dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It details the significance of the religious habit and the perpetual profession of the sisters, which includes vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. The paragraph describes the ritual of receiving a ring during the perpetual profession, symbolizing an indissoluble union with Christ and the Holy Spirit. It also introduces the congregation's distinct spirit, inherited from Saint Cassian of Siena, characterized by love for the Eucharist, the cross, the Church, and the poor. The sisters are called to alleviate poverty and bring joy, embodying the spirit of Jesus in their lives.

10:03

📚 Apostolic Works and Global Expansion of the Congregation

The final paragraph discusses the apostolic works of the congregation, including education and feeding of children, especially the poorest, to help them develop physically and intellectually while becoming good Christians. The sisters also extend their work to parishes for youth assistance and home visitations to the poor and prisoners, providing catechesis and support. Additionally, the congregation includes nurses and doctors who offer their services to the needy. The paragraph highlights the congregation's growth and expansion in various countries, including Italy, Brazil, Argentina, India, the Philippines, Ecuador, and Germany, with an increase in vocations to imitate the life of their blessed founder. The congregation is currently led by Mother Liliana Quesada SDP, who continues the spiritual legacy of Savina.

Keywords

💡Savina Petrilli

Savina Petrilli, also known as Blessed Savina, is the founder of the religious congregation discussed in the video. Born in Siena, Italy, her life and work are central to the congregation's mission and identity. The video describes her early life, miraculous survival as an infant, and her deep Christian faith, which led her to establish the congregation at the age of 22.

💡Congregation

A congregation in this context refers to a religious community or assembly, specifically the one founded by Savina Petrilli. The congregation is characterized by its commitment to serving the poor and is guided by the spiritual principles inherited from Saint Catherine of Siena. The video outlines the congregation's growth and expansion across various countries.

💡Mother House

The Mother House is the original and central location of the congregation, situated in Vietnce, Italy. It symbolizes the congregation's humble beginnings and serves as a place of perpetual profession for the sisters, marking their total surrender and commitment to God and their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

💡Religious Habit

The religious habit is the traditional attire worn by members of the congregation, signifying their consecration and commitment to a simple life. It includes a cross and a ring, which are received during the perpetual profession, symbolizing the sisters' covenant of love with Christ and their dedication to the congregation's mission.

💡Charism

Charism in the context of the video refers to the spiritual gifts or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to the congregation, enabling them to represent Christ and be channels of God's goodness. The congregation inherits a distinct spirit from Saint Catherine of Siena, emphasizing love for the Eucharist, the cross, the Church, and the poor.

💡Eucharist

The Eucharist is a central sacrament in Christianity, representing the body and blood of Christ. The congregation's love for the Eucharist empowers them to embody Christ's spirit and serve faithfully, as illustrated by their commitment to representing Christ in their mission.

💡Cross

The cross symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For the congregation, embracing the cross means accepting the challenges of their faith and mission with simplicity and total abandonment to God, aligning with those who suffer.

💡Service to the Needy

Service to the needy is a fundamental aspect of the congregation's mission, as they aim to alleviate poverty and provide assistance to the poor, the sick, and the elderly. This is demonstrated through their work in educational institutions, parishes, and retirement centers, as well as through home visitations and prison programs.

💡Apostolate

Apostolate refers to the congregation's missionary work, which includes giving catechesis, educational assistance, home visitation to the poor, and assistance to prisoners and the sick. It is a manifestation of their divine love and mercy towards those in need, as they strive to incarnate the spirit of their congregation.

💡International Expansion

The international expansion of the congregation is highlighted in the video, showing its growth beyond Italy to countries such as Brazil, Argentina, India, the Philippines, Ecuador, and Germany. This expansion reflects the congregation's commitment to serving the universal church and their ability to inspire vocations across different cultures.

💡Mother General

The Mother General is the highest-ranking position within the congregation, responsible for overseeing its spiritual and administrative affairs. The video mentions Mother Liliana Quesada as the current head, continuing the spiritual inheritance of Blessed Savina and leading the congregation in its mission.

Highlights

Introduction of the congregation by the boys with a grateful heart.

The congregation was founded by Blessed Savina Petrilli, a servant of God.

Savina Maria Petraeli was born in Siena, Italy, and her early life was marked by a miraculous event.

Savina's parents were fervent Christians who ensured her baptism after a near-death experience.

Savina was inspired by the life and saintly example of Saint Catherine of Siena.

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

The congregation's mother house was established in Venice on September 7, 1874.

The congregation's growth was marked by a significant event in 1881, expanding beyond its initial location.

The Church of the Visitation is adjacent to the mother house and is a place of vows and perpetual profession for the sisters.

The religious habit of the sisters signifies their consecration and commitment to a simple life.

The ring received by the sisters during their perpetual profession symbolizes their covenant of love with Christ.

The congregation's charism includes love for the Eucharist, the cross, the Church, and the poor.

The sisters aim to alleviate poverty and bring joy to others, reflecting the teachings of Blessed Sabine.

The apostolate of the congregation includes catechesis, educational assistance, and support for the poor and prisoners.

The congregation also provides assistance to the sick through sister nurses and doctors.

The congregation manages learning schools, universities, and retirement centers, serving the elderly.

The congregation has expanded globally, with houses and communities in Brazil, Argentina, India, Philippines, Ecuador, and Germany.

The congregation's spiritual inheritance is maintained by the mother generals, currently headed by Mother Liliana Quesada SDP.

Transcripts

[Music]

so

[Music]

so

[Music]

hi we are the boys

oh

with a grateful heart we are privileged

to introduce to you

our chosen congregation

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

do

[Music]

this religious congregation was founded

by blessed savina petri

savina petrilli

[Music]

a servant of god savina maria petraeli

was born the 29th day of august 1851

in an ancient historical and famous city

in tuscany siena italy

they resided in a steep climbing narrow

street

via del costone the house was a modest

building

with windows on the front

it is reported that the infant girl

savina

one day was believed dead covered with a

sheet

and left in the condition for six hours

but miraculously found a lie

fervent christians as they were the

betray parents

matilde and salsa petraeli hastened to

have the child

be baptized the day after

initial years of her life revealed a

sparkling

intelligence a tender sensibility to

others deeply in love

and impressed by the life and saintly

example

of saint catherine of siena

go go with saint katherine and follow

her footsteps and

examples the invitation of pope pius ix

coincides with the youthful dream of

savina

did not seem ready yet but fulfilled

with her courage full trust and

abandonment to the will of god

she began the work of establishing the

congregation

at the age of 22.

blessed savina has always felt a blaze

in her heart

the fire of the love of christ and of

neighbor

which animated and burned in her entire

life

mother house in vietnce

on september 7 1874 the first sisters of

the poor entered this house for the

first time

in the most severe poverty

it was to remain the mother house to

this day

later year on 1881 marked an important

event for the institute of the sisters

of the poor

up to now the group had been confined

within the walls of via baroncelli

within these walls the sisters leave

their most

important moments and at worked miracles

in fact one thing is to begin and quiet

another to mature the faith and

experience of

charity this is the cradle

of the institute church of the

visitation

adjacent to the mother house is the

church of the visitation

savina made her vow to build a temple of

thanksgiving

dedicated and consecrated to the

heavenly mother

mary who kindly bestowed so many favors

upon our humble congregation

and thanksgiving for the recoveries of

the three sisters that time

in this remarkable and beautiful church

is the place

wherein each sister of the poor is

solemnly having their perpetual

profession

of the tribals of chastity poverty

and obedience the act of frustration

is a total surrender an offering of self

to god

in front of the incorrupted body of the

foundress

to be rooted to the cradle where the

curry sand

began

[Music]

religious habit

religious habit is a sign of her

consecration

and a testimony of her embrace

of simple life and belonging to the

religious

family it becomes part of her

identity

the cross crucifix as part of the

sdp missionary guard reminds them

of jesus total sacrifice and offering

in response we become daughters

and continuously offer sacrifices with

[Music]

christ

the ring is received on the sister's

perpetual profession

this ratifies forever her covenant of

love

with christ and a strong filial bond

with the father

and with the spirit a sign of

indissoluble

union

[Music]

character yeah

charism is a specific ability

given to all christians with the holy

spirit to give them power

pulse to represent christ and to be the

channel of god's goodness for people

i am then glad to share to you the

distinct spirit

that describes our congregation the

sisters of the poor of saint cassadine

of siena

blessed savina petrilli our foundress

inherits from saint cassarin of siena

the four great love

first the love for the eucharist

that empowers us to represent christ in

his prison spirit faithfully

the second is the love for the cross we

embrace the life of faith and simplicity

in total abandonment to god as we also

face challenges in our mission

being one with those who suffer and have

reason to cry

the sword is the love for the church

we consecrate ourselves to god with

dedicated service

of great charity to the needy

and become channels of our lord's

goodness and blessings

to his people the fourth is the love for

the poor

we are sisters of the poor and with the

very heart of jesus

we are called to alleviate all sorts of

poverty

bearing in mind and heart the very wars

of blessed sabine

to bring joy to others is to double

one's own capacity for joy

and to manifest jesus in our life brings

us happiness

looking at us people should perceive

jesus

[Music]

like jesus who was anointed to proclaim

the good news to the poor each as deep

sister

by incarnating the spirit of the

congregation

becomes a bearer of divine love and

mercy to the poor

the abundant the sikh and the aged

the apostolate first giving catechesis

and educational assistance

the sisters of the poor by the grace of

god expanded their providential work of

educating and feeding the children

especially the poorest and help them to

become good christians

amidst their social status in life

and to develop their physical and

intellectual abilities

as well the congregation manages several

learning schools and universities

[Music]

some sisters are teaching in the

universities

as theology professors

[Music]

other sisters extend their work in the

parishes

for youth assistance

[Music]

second home visitation to the poor and

prisoners

two sisters visit poor families to bring

serenity

and alleviate poverty the sisters

provide program for the prisoners

give them catechesis and feed them with

the help of lay collaborators

third the sisters give assistance to the

sick

there are sister nurses and doctors who

offer their service

and their knowledge to the needy the

congregation is retirement centers

that provide the elderly a family

atmosphere

and assistance from their own sisters

in christ

the growth and the expansion of the

congregation was quite

amazing that the desire of blessed

sabino was fulfilled

serving the universal church

besides italy the congregation grows in

different houses and communities

in brazil

argentina

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

india

philippines

ecuador

[Music]

and germany

the number of vocation arises all

throughout the said

countries to imitate the living message

of life

our blessed founders throughout the

history

the mother generals have maintained the

spiritual inheritance from blessed

selena

at present the congregation in general

is headed by our dearest

mother liliana quesada sdp

[Music]

you