Saint Bartolomea Capitanio :Educator, Caregiver, and Spiritual Guide

Saint Bartolomea Capitanio (1807–1833) was an Italian educator and co-foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere, whose brief life was wholly dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, and orphaned children. Collaborating with Saint Vincenza Gerosa, she established her order with the core mission of being "totally founded on charity" and providing free education to those in need. Her spiritual legacy endures through the global work of the Sisters of Charity, also known as Sisters of Maria Bambina , who continue her mission of compassionate service in education and healthcare worldwide. Canonized in 1950, her example inspires devotion to social justice and the pursuit of holiness through humble, charitable action.

Saint Bartolomea had read the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga and it greatly inspirited and enlightened her. She then tried to emulate his virtues. She encouraged devotion to him and especially promulgated the “Six Sundays of Saint Aloysius”, approved by Pope Clement XII in 1739. Mostly, she encouraged this devotion in her private school for girls. Their connection is cemented through a prayer written by the sisters which asks for St. Aloysius's protection for their institute, stating, "Dear St. Aloysius, protect our Institute, pray continually for me and for my companions".

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