Maria Paola Muzzeddu

On December 23, 1943, Maria Paola received the inspiration to found a community dedicated to the virtue of purity. On October 5, 1947, she began community life in Sassari with Maria Lepori and four other companions. The official act of foundation took place on December 5, 1947. Archbishop Arcangelo Mazzotti blessed their white and sky-blue habit on December 8, 1948, which earned them the nickname of "Celestines." The institute is dedicated to the education and accompaniment of young women in difficulty. The Constitutions were approved ad experimentum in 1954, and the final diocesan approval was decreed on August 12, 1979, by Archbishop Paolo Carta.

Maria Paola's spiritual life is characterized by a constant union with God and an intense Marian devotion, reciting up to seven Rosaries a day. Her spiritual diary (1927-1956) bears witness to violent diabolical attacks that she overcomes through prayer. On December 8, 1968, she offered her life as a victim for the sanctification of priests and the purity of the people of God. After three years of physical and moral suffering, she passed away on August 12, 1971, in Aggius. Her body rests in Sassari.

The cause for beatification was introduced in the diocese of Tempio-Ampurias. After obtaining the Nihil Obstat on January 2, 1992, the diocesan inquiry took place from June 1992 to October 2004. On June 11, 2019, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, conferring upon her the title of Venerable.

The spirituality of Maria Paola Muzzeddu is based on the imitation of the Virgin Mary under the title of Mater Purissima, viewing purity as an active spiritual force. Her work continues today through the Company of the Daughters of Mater Purissima in Sardinia. Her diary, published under the title of "Diario spirituale e scritti della Venerabile Madre Maria Paola Muzzeddu", remains a precious spiritual guide for the faithful.