St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin was an Italian nun known for her deep spirituality and humble service as a nurse. Despite facing personal struggles, she dedicated her life to caring for the sick and poor, exemplifying compassion and love in all her work. She was canonized a saint in 2003 and is the patron saint of nurses.
St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin was born on November 6, 1888, in Brendola, Italy. From a young age, she faced personal difficulties, but her deep faith and desire to serve others guided her life. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Dorothy in 1907 and took the name Maria Bertilla. She worked as a nurse, dedicating herself fully to the care of the sick in the hospital of her religious order. Despite her own health challenges, she maintained a joyful and selfless approach to her work, winning the love and respect of those she served. Her deep spirituality and compassion made her a model of Christian virtue, even in the face of physical suffering. She passed away from an illness on October 20, 1922, at the age of 33. Though her life was brief, her example left a lasting impact on those who knew her. St. Maria Bertilla was beatified in 1983 by Pope John Paul II and canonized on May 1, 2003. She is remembered as the patron saint of nurses and healthcare workers, and her feast day is celebrated on October 20. Her life continues to inspire many, especially those working in healthcare, as she showed the importance of caring for others with love, patience, and humility.