Born in 1852 to Italian nobility, Carolina Santocanale had an early draw to all things pious. By the age of 19, she turned down offers for marriage because she knew she wanted to consecrate herself to the religious life. As she discerned a life between the contemplative cloister and working with the poor and the sick, her parish priest founded the Pious Union of the Daughters of Mary and asked her to become the director. This she did for 15 years until she was bedridden with severe leg pain for a year. During this time she decided to join the Secular Franciscan Order and took the name Sister Maria of Jesus. She established the Capuchin Sisters of the Immaculata of Lourdes, and she and the other sisters spent their time both serving the poor and praying for them.
CHALLENGE
St. Maria of Jesus Santocanale and the Capuchin Sisters of the Immaculata of Lourdes would load backpacks with supplies and distribute them to the poor areas of town. Today, buy non-perishable supplies such as granola bars, pop-tarts, and bottled water. Keep them handy in your car so you can be ready when you see someone poor or hungry.
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