Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce - Augustinian Nun and Educator

BLESSED. MARIA TERESA FASCE

Bl. Maria Teresa Fasce was an Italian Augustinian nun and abbess, known for revitalizing the monastery of Cascia and founding a boarding school for poor girls. Her life was marked by deep devotion to St. Rita and unwavering service to the needy.

Born in Torriglia, Genoa, Italy, Maria Giovanna Fasce was raised in a devout Catholic family. From a young age, she was captivated by the life of St. Rita of Cascia and felt a strong calling to religious life. Despite an initial rejection from the Augustinian convent in Cascia, she persisted and was eventually accepted, taking the name Maria Teresa.

Entering the convent in 1906, she faced numerous challenges—poor health, misunderstandings, and spiritual dryness. Still, her perseverance and unwavering trust in God's providence helped her grow in virtue and leadership. In 1920, she was elected abbess of the convent, a position she held for over two decades.

Under her leadership, the convent underwent both spiritual and physical renewal. She was deeply committed to social work and education, founding the Collegio di Santa Rita, a boarding school for poor and orphaned girls. Her dream was to give them not only shelter and education, but love, dignity, and a future. Her devotion to St. Rita was central to her mission; she promoted the saint’s cause globally and restored her sanctuary in Cascia to a center of devotion.

Despite chronic illness and physical suffering, Maria Teresa remained joyful and faithful. She offered her pain for the Church and her community, living her final years in prayer and silence. She died on January 18, 1947.

Feast Day

12-10-

Birth Date

27-12-1881

Died Date

18-1-1947

Canonised Date

12-10-1997

Basilica of St. Rita, Cascia, Italy

Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce, faithful servant of God and friend to the poor, guide us to live with courage and compassion. May we, like you, trust God's will in all things. Amen.
BLESSED. MARIA TERESA FASCE

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
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Saint Companions for Each Day
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