Emmanuela Giovanna Scribano

Sister Santina's active life was brutally interrupted by illness. In 1946, she developed a perianal abscess which, aggravated by inappropriate treatments, evolved in 1951 into spinal arachnoiditis. This pathology led to the progressive paralysis of her lower limbs, forcing her to use a wheelchair permanently from 1962. Nevertheless, she pronounced her perpetual vows on August 26, 1947. Despite her disability and intense physical suffering, Sister Santina deployed a major spiritual work focused on the support and sanctification of priests. After going through a period of spiritual aridity, she was guided by Father Giovanni Raciti, who helped her discern her mission. She received the mystical intuition to found a community work for priests. To support this project, Father Raciti presented a proposal scheme for the diocesan clergy to Pope Pius XII in 1950. In September 1958, Sister Santina met Father Francesco Maria Sortino, who became her spiritual director. Sharing the same aspiration, they collaborated closely on the foundation of the 'Opera Sacerdotale Bethania' (Sacerdotal Work of Bethany) in Syracuse. While Father Sortino ensured the material construction of the complex (including the sanctuary of Jesus the Priest of Infinite Mercy and a retreat center), Sister Santina became its spiritual pillar. From her wheelchair, she offered her prayers, her writings, and her sufferings for the success of this work. In November 1973, after her death, the Auxiliary Sisters of Jesus the Priest of Infinite Mercy were founded to serve within this work, recognizing Sister Santina as their spiritual mother.

Sister Santina di Gesù transformed her bed of pain and her wheelchair into a true altar of offering. Her reputation for holiness spread rapidly among the priests and the faithful who came to seek comfort and spiritual counsel from her. She passed away on May 12, 1968, at the motherhouse in Ragusa, at the age of 50, her body extremely weakened by illness.

Given the constant fervor of the faithful, the cause for beatification was officially opened. The diocesan inquiry took place in Ragusa from October 7, 1985, to November 23, 1989, gathering numerous testimonies regarding the heroic nature of her virtues and the depth of her spiritual writings.

The file for the cause was then transmitted to Rome. On July 6, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, thus conferring upon her the title of Venerable.

A few weeks earlier, on May 12, 2007, on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of her death, her mortal remains were transferred to the chapel of the "Maria Schininà" retirement home in Ragusa, where they now rest.

Within the framework of the beatification process, the examination of an alleged miracle—concerning the unexplained healing of a priest—was investigated. On February 28, 2008, the medical commission of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints issued a favorable opinion, concluding that this healing was scientifically inexplicable.

The spirituality of the Venerable Santina di Gesù is centered on mystical union with the Heart of Jesus and the offering of self for the sanctification of priests. Although she did not receive higher education, she left a remarkable written legacy. On the order of her spiritual director, she wrote her autobiography, published in 1971 under the title La messa di Suor Santina (The Mass of Sister Santina). Her intimate notes, collected in her Diario spirituale (Spiritual Diary) published in two volumes, testify to an intense mystical life, marked by visions and interior locutions. She actively propagated the devotion to 'Jesus Priest Infinite Mercy.' Her legacy endures today through the Bethany Priestly Work in Syracuse and the congregation of the Auxiliary Sisters of Jesus Priest Infinite Mercy, who continue to live by her charism of intercession and service to the clergy.