Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows

Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows –  Sister Maria Pietà of the Holy Cross, O.L.S.   

Congregazione Maestre dell ‘Addolorata 

                                   Ardere  – “to burn” Et (and) Lucere – ” to light or shine”

“I carry the One Who carries Me.”

Foundress: Blessed Elisabetta Renzi

Place: Coriano, Italy

Year: August 26, 1839 A.D.

Her Charism: In union with and entrusting herself to Jesus Crucified and Risen, this Sister answers the call to be an enduring presence and witness to the preferential love of Christ for the young, the poor, the weak, and the needy. She lives solely for the glory of God Whom she loves with all her heart. Prayer is at the heart of her life and mission, and she places Jesus at the center of her search for truth. Humility and compassion underpin her journey to holiness through the ministries of education and catechesis. She shares the love that she has for Our Lady at the Foot of the Cross with the poor impoverished souls who do not know the Gift of God. For it is Our Lady of Sorrows who softens all hearts. This humble soul places her own particular gifts and experience at the service of the Church and mission of her Congregation. She loves the Eucharist and is especially devoted to Our Lady of Sorrows, her Patroness. It is Our Lady who teaches her that the feminine heart is the sorrowing heart – and that sorrow makes her more available to those who suffer. It is that feminine heart that stood fast at the Foot of the Cross. Mary is both her companion and teacher of charity in responding to and in consoling the “Christ” in others. She abandons all to the mystery and miracle of Divine Providence, and has an intense union with God in prayer. Her communion with the other Sisters in a spirit of gladness and charity, humility, joy, and simplicity in duty lead her to the peaceful security of being a little creature in the arms of the Father. The Congregation’s motto, Ardere Et Lucere, expresses and captures the dual nature of Christian service: the internal “burning” of zeal, love, and prayer, and the external “shining” of teaching, preaching, and example. This Sister’s true character lies in the tender maternal affection of her children and her commitment to their Christian education, formation, and training. Truly, she embodies “One heart and one soul in God.” In this way, a Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows looks to God and becomes radiant.