Maria Crocifissa Costantini
Faustina Geltrude Costantini (1713-1787), who took the religious name Mother Maria Crocifissa of Jesus, is the co-foundress of the Passionist Nuns. Under the spiritual direction of Saint Paul of the Cross, she established the first monastery of the order in Tarquinia.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Birth, youth, and entry into religious life of Faustina Geltrude Costantini in Corneto.
Faustina Geltrude Costantini was born on August 18, 1713, in Corneto (today Tarquinia), Italy. Coming from a noble and wealthy family, she was the seventh of twelve children. Born prematurely and very fragile, she nevertheless survived. After studying with the Pious Teachers, she felt the religious call at the age of 14. Upon the death of her mother, she managed the family home before entering the Benedictine monastery of Santa Lucia in Corneto in 1733, where she took the name Sister Maria Candida Crocifissa.
Life and Work
The meeting with Saint Paul of the Cross and the foundation of the Passionist Nuns.
In 1735, she met the missionary priest Paolo Danei (Saint Paul of the Cross), who became her spiritual director. In 1741, she received a revelation inviting her to cooperate in the foundation of a contemplative female branch. Thanks to the financial support of her family, the first monastery of the Passionist nuns was erected in Tarquinia. In 1771, she left the Benedictines to found the monastery of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, becoming Mother Maria Crocifissa of Jesus, the first superior of the community.
Path to Holiness
A life of contemplation, penance, and offering in the face of illness.
Mother Maria Crocifissa led a life of intense contemplation and rigorous penance in Tarquinia, offering herself for the conversion of sinners. Endowed with mystical graces and visions, she endured severe physical suffering at the end of her life, notably cancer. She passed away in holiness during the night of November 15 to 16, 1787, at the age of 74.
Beatification and canonization
The process of recognition of her heroic virtues by the Church.
The informative process for her beatification opened on October 29, 1924, under the impetus of Father Silvio di San Bernardo. On November 17, 1982, the decree on the heroic nature of her virtues was read before Pope John Paul II, who officially declared her venerable by decree on December 17, 1982.
Spirituality and legacy
The memory of the Passion and the global expansion of the Passionist Nuns.
The spirituality of Maria Crocifissa Costantini is centered on the Memoria Passionis. For her, the meditation on the sufferings of Christ is a balm that softens every sorrow. As co-founder of the Passionist Nuns, she established the foundations of a contemplative life that subsequently spread from Tarquinia to France (Mamers) and then throughout the entire world.
Frequently asked questions about Maria Crocifissa Costantini
Who was Maria Crocifissa Costantini?
Faustina Geltrude Costantini (1713-1787), who took the religious name Mother Maria Crocifissa of Jesus, is the co-foundress of the Passionist Nuns. Under the spiritual direction of Saint Paul of the Cross, she established the first monastery of the order in Tarquinia.
Which saints were contemporaries of Maria Crocifissa Costantini?
Contemporaries include: Venerable Agnes of Jesus, Blessed Mary Anne of Jesus, Saint Alphonsus Liguori and Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus.
When did Maria Crocifissa Costantini die?
Maria Crocifissa Costantini died around 1713.
What are the other names of Maria Crocifissa Costantini?
Other forms of the name: Faustina Geltrude Costantini, Maria Candida Crocifissa, Donna Maria Candida Crocifissa and Maria Crocifissa di Gesù.
Who are the relatives of Maria Crocifissa Costantini?
Relatives of Maria Crocifissa Costantini: Antonio Costantini (father), Girolama Falcioni (mother), Domenico Costantini (brother), Lucia Cascioli (sister-in-law) and Nicola Costantini (brother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1713-1787
- Decree of venerability by John Paul II