GATTORNO, ROSA. - Foundress of the Figlie di S. Anna, born in Genova on 14 Oct. 1831, died in Roma on 6 May 1900. Her brief married life with her cousin Girolamo Custo (1822–58), fruitful in sorrows, later continued by the grave troubles caused by her two children, was followed by a widowhood devoted to piety and charity. While assisting Frassinetti in directing his pious associations, she received the inspiration to found the new institute, which began in Piacenza in March 1866, after a heroic victory over family opposition; she took the habit on 26 July of the following year.
Through tireless work and continual journeys, she led the Congregation to exceptional expansion, without however succeeding in drawing up its rules. Extraordinary charisms, including an unusual frequency of bilocations, were the reward for her superabundant penance and for the humility with which she endured calumnies and mistreatment. In 1932 her body was found incorrupt and supple. The informative processes have been concluded.