Who are we – yesterday

In the Gospel, we read that Jesus healed every sickness; we
wonder even those mental sicknesses?

“Let us have a preferential love for the poor. They are the living
image of Jesus Christ. Let us help them as much as we can, even
if it may cost us at times” (St Bartolomea)

The reverence our Saints had for priests and seminarians abounds in the literature of our Institute. A few hints will do.

Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me (Mk 9:37)

The Institute of the «Sisters of Charity of Saints B. Capitanio and V. Gerosa» – commonly known as «Suore di Maria Bambina» – was started on 21 November 1832 at Lovere, Bergamo, and was approved by the Holy See on 5 June 1840; it dedicated itself to charity, responding to the «great, extreme need» of a grave moment in the history of Italy.

«I will constantly keep in mind those who are in the greatest need, either because they have no-one to keep an eye on them, or because of the moral danger they are in, because of the evil inclinations they are overruled by, or because of their lively character. To these, in a special way. I will consider myself a Mother»

Besides young women in moral danger (cf. CF 1) and poor young girls without parents (cf. CF 4), the Institute «totally founded on charity» should devote itself to the relief of the poor sick as well, and especially to the care and the direction of Hospitals (CF 7): these are the sectors specifically included by Bartolomea among the particular types of active charity, that was so dear to her heart.