CONSIGLIO, Maria (in religion Maria dello Spirito Santo). Born in Naples on 5 January 1845, died there on 11 January 1900. Orphaned of both father and mother, she lived for several years with her elderly grandmother amid indescribable hardships and privations, later compensated by spiritual gifts and joys. On account of her simplicity and gentleness she was called “la santarella,” a nickname that remained with her until her death.
Unlettered, she composed ascetical works: Gesù e il Vangelo (Naples 1878), Amore e Croce (ibid. 1882), and she attained a perfect knowledge of the Summa of St. Thomas. In 1872 she founded at Porta Romana, a hamlet of Nocera Inferiore, the Eremite dell’Adoratrice for the care of orphaned girls. Her cause of beatification is under way.