(1931-1957) Pierina was born to poor farmers in Fiobbio, Italy, and was the oldest of nine children. She was an active member of the Catholic Action movement, which advocated for more Catholic influence in society. She was a Third Order Franciscan who made a private vow of celibacy, and was a seamstress who worked in a textile factory from the age of 15. She regularly received Holy Communion and prayed rosaries on her way to and from work. When walking home from work one afternoon when she was 26 years old, a man tried to rape her. She refused his advances and the attacker beat her to death with stones.
When faced with injustice and blatant evil, our own limits of understanding are highlighted. We are powerless and He restores sanity, even when we don’t see it happen in this life. Can you trust that God will make all things right? Can you surrender control to Him?
“May I never allow myself even the smallest compromise with sin, whether in dress, speech, reading, looks, or entertainment” (Blessed Pierina Morosini).
Reflection by Brad Farmer