An Anniversary

The 350th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mary of of the Angels is being celebrated.

MONCALIERI-ITALY (07-01-2011).- The Archbishop of Turin, Mgr. Cesare Nosiglia, presided at the solemn Eucharistic celebration in Moncalieri Carmel. This celebration will mark the commencement of the celebrations for the 350th anniversary of the birth of the Blessed Discalced Carmelite nun, Mary of the Angels.

To recall the birth of the foundress of Saint Joseph of Mocalieri Carmel the community of Discalced Carmelite nuns and an organizing Committee have suggested a yearlong celebration, a ‘Jubilee Year,’ beginning on 8th January and concluding on 16th December, with the liturgical feast of the Blessed.

This year of prayer, of historical research and spirituality associated with our Carmelite charism will reach out beyond the confines of the Carmel to the local Moncalieri community. Together they will celebrate the first Carmelite in Italy to be made a Blessed, which occurred in 1865 by Pope Pius IX.

As well as the Carmel, the Turin diocese will also recall throughout the year the paper that Blessed Mary of the Angels developed in the society of Victor Amadeo II, also the particular influence she had in the society from that time and the devotion to her since her death.

From among all the Saints associated with the Turin Diocese, Blessed Mary of the Angels is the only one from Turin. St. John Bosco was responsible for writing her biography on the occasion of her beatification.

Moreover, a Committee of Honour has been formed whose President is the Cardinal Secretary of State, Monsignor Tarcisio Bertone. It comprises of several people who have been devoted to Carmel. Cardinal Bertone, who was especially invited, will close the Jubilee Year.

Blessed Mary of the Angels

Blessed Mary of the Angels (Marianna Fontanella) was born on 7th January 1661 in Turin. On 19th November 1676 she entered the Discalced Carmelite convent of St. Christine of Turin where she took the name Mary of the Angels.

She exercised the role of mistress of novices and prioress in the convent on several occasions. She was greatly devoted to St. Joseph, as a consequence, in 1696 the Turin diocese instituted the feast of her patron. In the year 1703 she founded the convent of Moncalieri. On 16th December 1717 after a brief illness she died in the convent of St. Christine in Turin.