STARACE, COSTANZA. — In religion Sister Maria Maddalena della Passione, foundress of the Sisters Compassionists Servants of Mary, born at Castellammare di Stabia on 5 Sept. 1845, died at Scanzano (diocese of Castellammare) on 13 Dec. 1921.
Longing for the religious life, she took the habit (1866) of the Third Order of the Servants of Mary, though remaining at home while awaiting clearer knowledge of God’s will. The bishop of Stabia made use of her for the good of the diocese, inviting her to establish and direct a Pious Union of Daughters of Mary and to catechize the young girls; later she also directed an Association, dedicated to St Angela Merici, of young women leading a religious life in the world, and a home for orphan girls. The young Daughters of Mary who assisted her wished also to take the habit of the Third Order of the Servants of Mary, and the bishop not only granted them the habit but also canonical institution, forming the new Congregation of the Compassionists, of which