St. Agostina Pietrantoni – Nurse, Nun, and Martyr of Charity

ST. AGOSTINA LIVIA PIETRANTONI

St. Agostina Livia Pietrantoni was an Italian nun and nurse martyred for her faith and compassion. Known for her selfless care of the sick and wounded, she was killed in Rome by a mentally unstable former patient.

St. Agostina Livia Pietrantoni was born on March 27, 1864, in Pozzaglia Sabina, near Rieti, Italy, into a humble and deeply religious family. She was the second of eleven children, and from an early age, Livia demonstrated a compassionate nature and strong spiritual character.

At the age of 22, she entered the religious congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret, taking the name Sister Agostina. Her deep desire to serve others led her to the Hospital of Santo Spirito in Sassia, one of the oldest hospitals in Rome, where she worked primarily with tuberculosis patients.

Sr. Agostina became well-known among her patients and fellow sisters for her unwavering cheerfulness, tireless service, and immense kindness. She brought comfort to the sick and dying with gentle care and spiritual support, often working long hours without complaint. Her dedication was so complete that even when faced with the harshness and danger of dealing with violent or mentally ill patients, she never wavered in her vocation.

Tragically, her life was cut short when, on November 13, 1894, she was attacked and murdered by a former patient she had previously cared for. The man, mentally unstable and violent, stabbed her multiple times in a fit of rage. Her death was considered a martyrdom of charity, a testimony to Christian love taken to its fullest expression—laying down one’s life for others.

Her martyrdom left a profound impact on the religious and medical communities in Rome and beyond. The faithful soon began to venerate her, and her reputation for sanctity continued to grow. Pope John Paul II canonized her on April 18, 1999, affirming her holiness as a woman who gave everything for Christ in the service of the most vulnerable.

Feast Day

13-11-

Birth Date

27-3-1864

Died Date

13-11-1894

Canonised Date

18-4-1999

Rome, Italy

St. Agostina Livia Pietrantoni, faithful servant of God, you devoted your life to caring for the sick and the suffering. Through your compassion and humility, you showed us the path of love and service. Intercede for us, that we may grow in faith, charity, and generosity. Help us to follow your example of selfless dedication to others, and lead us closer to God’s grace. May we find strength in your prayers and courage in your example. Amen.
ST. AGOSTINA LIVIA PIETRANTONI

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ST. AGOSTINA LIVIA PIETRANTONI

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