CERIOLI, COSTANZA, VENERABILE

CERIOLI, COSTANZA, Venerable. – In religion, Sister Paola Elisabetta. Born at Soncino (Cremona) on 16 January 1816, died at Comonte di Seriate (Bergamo) on 24 December 1865. She founded the Institute of the Sisters of the Holy Family (v.), to encourage the work of the land, against the attractions of industry, for the orphans of peasant families. At Comonte, in her marital home, after losing her only son and her husband, who had caused her much suffering because of the difference in age and temperament, she opened in 1856 the first refuge for orphan girls, taking the religious habit with some companions. In 1863, at Villacampagna di Soncino, she began the male branch, placed under the direction of a Congregation of religious likewise dedicated to the Holy Family. Her work, inspired by maternal wisdom and rural experience, was praised by Pius IX. The heroicity of her virtues was proclaimed by decree of 2 July 1939.