Raffaella De Vincenti
Raffaella De Vincenti (1872-1936), in religion Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Hearts, is the co-founder of the congregation of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Birth of Raffaella De Vincenti in Acri, her traditional upbringing, and her decisive meeting with Father Francesco Maria Greco.
Raffaella De Vincenti was born on May 1, 1872, in Acri, a small town in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria (Italy). She was the youngest of seven children born to Tommaso De Vincenti and Maria Teresa Bartolo, a family of the affluent middle class. In late 19th-century Calabria, the education of young girls was very restricted: they were generally confined to the family home, deprived of a complete education and contact with the outside world. Raffaella grew up in this traditional and rigid, yet deeply religious, environment.
Her life took a decisive turn in 1887 with the arrival in Acri of a new parish priest, Archpriest Francesco Maria Greco (beatified in 2016). Concerned with fighting religious ignorance and social misery, Father Greco founded a catechism school for children, initially directed by his own sister, Maria Teresa Greco. Raffaella, then 15 years old, became actively involved as a catechist. She quickly distinguished herself by her intelligence, her fervor, and her devotion to abandoned children and the sick.
Following the premature death of the priest's sister, Raffaella agreed to succeed her as director of the catechism school. Despite the fierce opposition of her family, particularly her mother who refused to see her dedicate herself to a work without a certain future and forbade her from leaving the family home, Raffaella persevered in her vocation.
Life and Work
Foundation of the congregation of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts and development of its charitable and educational works.
On November 21, 1894, on the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple, Raffaella De Vincenti pronounced her vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience before Father Greco. She then took the name Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Hearts (suor Maria Teresa dei Sacri Cuori), in tribute to the founder's late sister. This act marked the foundation of the congregation of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts (Suore Piccole Operaie dei Sacri Cuori).
Initially, due to her mother's prohibition, Sister Maria Teresa lived her religious consecration while remaining within her family. It was only after her mother's death and the marriage of her siblings that she was able to withdraw with a few companions into a small house made available by her father. It was there that the community life of the institute began, under an initial rule written by Father Greco.
The institute of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts developed rapidly. Its charism rests on three fundamental pillars: 1. A special consecration to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, models of love and humility. 2. Evangelization, primarily through catechesis for all age groups. 3. Human promotion and charitable service toward the most destitute (orphans, the sick, the elderly).
Under the leadership of Sister Maria Teresa, the institute opened numerous works, notably schools, orphanages, and, in 1916, the Charitas Hospital in Acri to care for the poor and the elderly. The congregation also extended its service to Catholic communities of the Eastern rite (notably the Italo-Albanians of the Eparchy of Lungro).
The institute was erected as a congregation of diocesan right in 1902 by the Bishop of San Marco Argentano-Bisignano, Msgr. Stanislao De Luca. It received the decree of praise (decretum laudis) from the Holy See on December 22, 1931, and then final approval from the Roman Curia on July 7, 1940.
Journey toward holiness
The spiritual life of Sister Maria Teresa, marked by humility, mutual submission with Father Greco, and her passing in 1936.
The spiritual journey of Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Hearts is marked by a constant union with God and a profound humility. With the co-founder, Father Francesco Maria Greco, they made a vow of mutual submission, each seeking to efface themselves before the other in a spirit of spiritual emulation that they called the "holy league."
Sister Maria Teresa assumed the role of superior and spiritual guide for her sisters, constantly exhorting them to charity and fidelity to their consecration. She faced with patience and strength the trials, the initial family misunderstandings, as well as the material difficulties linked to the development of the young congregation. She passed away in Acri on November 23, 1936, five years after the death of Father Greco.
Beatification and canonization
Opening of the cause for the beatification of Raffaella De Vincenti and recognition of her heroic virtues by Pope Francis in 2022.
The cause for the beatification and canonization of Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Hearts (Raffaella De Vincenti) was opened in her home diocese. After the diocesan inquiry into her reputation for holiness and the examination of her writings, the file was transmitted to Rome, to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
On January 20, 2022, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, thus conferring upon her the title of Venerable.
Her mortal remains rest today in the church of San Francesco di Paola in Acri, adjacent to the motherhouse of the congregation, alongside those of the co-founder, Blessed Francesco Maria Greco.
Spirituality and legacy
Spirituality centered on the Sacred Hearts and the international expansion of the congregation of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts.
The spirituality of the Venerable Maria Teresa of the Sacred Hearts is centered on the contemplation and imitation of the intimate sentiments of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. For her, apostolic action flows directly from this union of love. She loved to repeat this exhortation to her spiritual daughters: "Fatevi sante, presto sante e grandi sante" ("Become saints, soon saints, and great saints").
Her legacy is perpetuated through the congregation of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts, which continues its mission of education, catechesis, and assistance to the poorest. Today, the congregation is present not only in Italy but has also expanded internationally, notably in Albania (since 1940), the United States (since 1948), Argentina, and India.
Frequently asked questions about Raffaella De Vincenti
Who was Raffaella De Vincenti?
Raffaella De Vincenti (1872-1936), in religion Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Hearts, is the co-founder of the congregation of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts.
Which saints were contemporaries of Raffaella De Vincenti?
Contemporaries include: Jesús María Echavarría Aguirre, Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Narcisa de Jesús and Juan de Jesús López y González.
When did Raffaella De Vincenti die?
Raffaella De Vincenti died around 1872.
What are the other names of Raffaella De Vincenti?
Other forms of the name: Maria Teresa des Sacrés-Cœurs, Maria Teresa dei Sacri Cuori and suor Maria Teresa dei Sacri Cuori.
Who are the relatives of Raffaella De Vincenti?
Relatives of Raffaella De Vincenti: Tommaso De Vincenti (father) and Maria Teresa Bartolo (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 1872-1936
- Decree of venerability by Francis
Quotes
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Become saints, soon saints and great saints
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