St. Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello
Born: October 2, 1791
Died: March 21, 1858
Feast Day: March 21
Patron: Benedictine Sisters of Providence, educators
Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello, also known as St. Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello, was born in Landasco, Italy on October 2, 1791. From a very young age, Benedetta wanted to devote her life to prayer and God; at age 20 Benedetta had a religious mystical experience that called her to religious life. However, she decided to follow her parents’ wishes and married Giovanni Battista Frassinella in 1816. They had a happy marriage for two years up until Benedetta’s youngest sister, Martha, fell ill with cancer, and Benedetta and Giovanni cared for her until her death in 1825.
After Martha died, Benedetta and Giovanni both decided to answer the call to religious life. Giovanni joined the Somaschan fathers while Benedetta became a Ursuline nun. However, Benedetta quickly fell ill and returned home, where she began educating young women. She eventually founded the Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters, where she dedicated the remainder of her life to prayer and service until her death in 1858.
Today, St. Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello serves as a model for all those seeking education. As she turned to God while helping young women in need of a better life, so should we turn to God as we seek to help others in need.
—Sierra Machorro
Image: Wikimedia Commons
