The Beatification

“The Alleluia dwells beyond Calvary” This quote expresses beautifully, in few words, both the spiritual and life of our Foundress Blessed Elisabetta Renzi. These words of Elisabetta were chosen as a theme for her beatification, the Church’s official recognition of their fulfillment in her life, of her eternal blessedness after years of earthly trial.

The solemn beatification of Mother Elisabetta Renzi was held on June 18, 1989, in St. Peter’s Basilica, along with that of His Excellency Antonio Lucci, of the Congregation of the Franciscan Minors, Bishop of Bovino.

That was an unforgettable day, marked by the solemnity of the celebration, the words of Pope John Paul II, and the waving of scarves with the slogan of Blessed Elisabetta: “Be happy, God loves you!”

The Charism of Blessed Elisabetta Renzi can be summarized in one phrase that gives direction to one’s life: “Adere et Lucere” (“To burn and to light”) – thus, as Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, we define ourselves “Contemplatives In action…. We propose, as the purpose of our consecration, the glory of God and our own sanctification so that we may be effective instruments of salvation for all, but especially for youth that they may be educated, instructed, and assisted, whatever their status in life”.