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Virginia Centurione was born on April 2, 1587, in Genoa, Italy to a powerful family. Her father, Giorgio Centurione, was known to be an “imposing and controlling” individual who became the Doge of Genoa. Unlike inherited nobility, “doges” were elected by wealthy and powerful families of an area to become the leaders of the area. Her mother was Lelia Spinola.
Though Virginia was drawn to the religious life from an early age, she agreed to an arranged marriage to Gasparo Grimaldi Bracelli. Together, the young couple produced two children, Lelia and Isabella. Unfortunately, Gasparo was not much of a husband or a father, for he was a drinker and gambler. Gasparo died on June 13, 1607, leaving 20-year-old Virginia a widow with two daughters to care for.
Initially, Virginia moved in with her in-laws who helped her raise the daughters. Once her daughters were grown, however, Virginia devoted herself to serving those in need in her community. She was especially concerned with helping the sick, elderly, abandoned children, and refugees who flocked to Genoa.
When Virginia’s mother-in-law died, she turned the house into a refuge to those in need, and she founded a group of women to help her. Unfortunately, when a plague and famine came to the area from 1629-1630, Virginia needed more space. A year later, she rented a vacant convent, Monte Calvario, and moved her charges there. She built extra housing, and by 1634, Virginia and her group had a hospital with 300 patients. In 1635, the government gave its official approval of the hospital.
All through these years of growth, Virginia always made sure she worked closely with the women of her houses. Not only did she teach them about the Catholic faith, but she also taught them ways to earn a living.
From 1644 to 1650, Virginia wrote a Rule of life a new religious institute. The institute was divided into two communities: the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Calvary, and the other one, the Daughters of Our Lady of Mount Calvary. One group wore habits, and the other group did not. Like traditional religious communities, the women took vows, but in addition, they promised to devote some time working in the local hospital.
After setting up a group of leaders, Sister Virginia left administration duties behind and became a humble sister. In addition to daily chores common in convent life, she would beg for alms for the Institute in the town.
The Institute was a success and accomplished the goals it set for itself. For example, the women were educating children, caring for the sick, teaching adults, helping marginalized persons to return to productive lives, and giving financial and personal assistance. Unfortunately, however, without Sister Virginia at the helm, some of the wealthy and powerful backers of the Institute began to withhold their support. So, Virginia once again took over the administration. Not only did she serve the Institute, but she also served as a peacemaker between the government and Church when needed.
Virginia died December 15, 1651, in Genoa of natural causes. She was canonized on May 18, 2003, in Vatican City. Saint Virgina Centurione Bracelli’s feast day is December 15.
