2 October 1988 – 2 October 2026
On the anniversary of the canonisation of our Foundress, Saint Magdalene of Canossa, which took place on 2 October 1988, we wish to give thanks to the Lord for this new page in the history of the Church and for this unique page in the history of our Institute.
For the Church, Magdalene is the testimony of a woman who lived the Gospel radically. Born into a noble family in Verona, she made herself poor with the poor in order to serve Christ in those most in need. For our Institute, this date is a seal of confirmation: her charism, born of love for Jesus Crucified, is a gift from God entrusted to us so that we may place it at the service of others.
With Our Lady of Sorrows
With Our Lady of Sorrows, Magdalene learnt to remain at the foot of the Cross beside the Sorrowful Virgin, whom she took as her Mother and model. Like Mary, she knew how to stand before suffering with faith and tenderness, without turning her gaze away from the Crucified Christ.
She teaches us to accompany those who suffer with the same maternal heart and to remain faithful when the Cross becomes present in our lives and in our mission.
A renewed commitment
“The love of Christ urges us on”: may our gratitude be translated into fidelity to the charism, closeness to those most in need and the joyful proclamation of the Gospel.
Closing prayer
Lord, good Father, we thank you for the gift of Saint Magdalene of Canossa. Through her intercession and with Our Lady of Sorrows, grant us a simple and generous heart, capable of loving and serving as she did, and of seeing Jesus Crucified in every suffering brother and sister.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
Saint Magdalene of Canossa, pray for us.
We would like to share the link to the homily delivered by Saint John Paul II on the day of the canonisation, for personal and communal reading and reflection:
Thanksgiving for the Canonisation of Saint Magdalene of Canossa
