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St. Lucy Filippini was born January 13, 1672 in Corneto-Tarquinia, a city that existed before Rome was built. She lost both her parents by the age of six and was raised by her aunt and uncle. Lucy was a very intelligent young girl with an inclination toward the spiritual life. She frequently visited the nearby Benedictine Nuns' Monastery of Santa Lucia where daughters of the nobility were educated. Here she received the spiritual nourishment she desired and listened attentively and learned.
Cardinal Mark Anthony Barbarigo made a visit to Corneto and he made such a lasting impression on Lucy that she followed him to Montefiascone. Under the Cardinal's guidance, Lucy became a key factor in his plan to bring about the rebirth of Christian living. He had already begun by establishing a seminary where young priests could study and train for the ministry of the Word. The next step was to develop and encourage the practice of virtue in the home; he planned to do this by opening schools for young ladies, particularly children of the poor. Lucy would head the schools that were founded to promote the dignity of woman-hood and help to influence a healthy family life. In 1692, teachers were trained to staff the rapidly expanding schools. The 52 schools that were established during Lucy's lifetime taught domestic arts, weaving, embroidering, reading and Christian doctrine. The growing Community attracted the attention of Pope Clement XI who called on Lucy to start schools in Rome, which were placed under his special protection. Lucy's teaching methods attracted widespread attention and it was in Rome that she completed her work of founding schools.
Lucy died at sixty years of age in 1732. For three centuries the example of Christian womanhood in the lives led by her Teachers and students was recognized by Holy Mother Church. In 1930 Lucy Filippini was officially declared a Saint of the Church and she was given the last available niche in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.
Her mission, which began over 300 years ago, continues today through schools in Europe, the United States, Brazil, Ethiopia and India.
(excerpted from Religious Teachers Filippini) |
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Convent of St Bernadette's
1309 82nd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11228
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718.259.9844 |
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