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Also known as:
Mary-Gabrielle Sagheddu
Profile
Born to a family of shepherds. As a child she was described as obstinate,
critical, protesting, and rebellious - but loyal, and obedient; she would
say no to a request - but act on it at once. At 18 she became gentler, her
temper abated, she became involved in prayer and charity, and joined "Azione
Cattolic," a Catholic youth movement. At 21 she entered the Trappestine
monastery of Grottaferrata. When she was accepted, her attitude finally
became "Now do what You will."
When the community's leader explained a request for prayer and offering
for the great cause of Christian Unity, Maria Gabriella felt compelled to
offer her young life to the cause. Though she'd never been sick before,
she suddenly developed tuberculosis. In a mere 15 months spent in prayer
for Unity, it took her to her death.
Born: 1914 at Dorgali, Sardinia, Italy
Died: 23 April 1939 during Vespers of tuberculosis; body found
incorrupt in 1957; relics in a chapel at the monastery of Vitorchiano
Beatified: 25 January 1983 by Pope John Paul II
Readings
My life is of no value...I can offer it in peace.
Blessed Maria Gabriella
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Praying for unity is not a matter reserved only to those who actually
experience the lack of unity among Christians. In the deep personal
dialogue which each of us must carry on with the Lord in prayer, concern
for unity cannot be absent. Only in this way, in fact, will that concern
fully become part of the reality of our life and of commitments we have
taken on in the Church. It was in order to reaffirm this duty that I set
before the faithful of the Catholic Church a model which I consider
exemplary, the model of a Trappistine Sister, Blessed Maria Gabriella of
Unity, whom I beatified on 25 January 1983. Sister Maria Gabriella, called
by her vocation to be apart from the world, devoted her life to meditation
and prayer centered on Chapter 17 of Saint John's Gospel and offered her
life for Christian Unity. This is truly the cornerstone of all prayer: the
total and unconditional offering of one’s life to the Father; through the
Son, in the Holy Spirit. The example of Sister Mara Gabriella is
instructive; it helps us to understand that there are no special times,
situations, or places of prayer for unity. Christ's prayer to the Father
is offered as a model for everyone, always and everywhere.
John Paul II, from Ut unum sint, 1995
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In simplicity of heart I gladly offer everything, O Lord.
The Lord put me on this path, he will remember to sustain me in battle.
To His mercy I entrust my frailty.
I saw in front of me a big cross..., I thought that my sacrifice was
nothing in comparison to His.
I offered myself entirely and I do not withdraw the given word.
God's will whatever it may be, this is my joy, my happiness, my peace.
I will never be able to thank enough.
I cannot say but these words:" My God, your Glory."
Blessed Maria Gabriella
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