Today is the feast of Blessed Eugenia Ravasco, 1845-1900.
At the age of 23, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
"Bl. Eugenia Ravasco was wholly concerned with spreading love for the Hearts of Christ and Mary. Contemplating these two Hearts, she was passionately devoted to serving her neighbour and joyfully devoted her whole life to young people and the poor. With foresight, she was able to open herself to the pressing needs of the mission, with special concern for those who had 'fallen away' from the Church.
"The words 'doing good for love of the Heart of Jesus', and 'burning with desire for the good of others, especially young people' neatly sum up the charism she bestowed on her institute."
--Pope John Paul II, Homily at the Beatification
"Today the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (also known as the "Ravasco Institute") are present in Albania, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, Africa and the Philippines. They continue their work in schools, parishes and missions and are especially dedicated to serving youth and the needy and to promoting the dignity of women."
-- Vatican Biography of Blessed Eugenia Ravasco
Click here for an account of the miracle Eugenia worked for Eilen Jiménez Cardozo, a Bolivian six-year-old with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Mom, I talked with Jesus. He appeared to me and told me: Want to walk? Yo le he dicho: S', quiero correr y caminar. I have told him: Yes, I run and walk. Y Jesús me respondió: No tengas miedo, porque vas a caminar. And Jesus answered: Fear not, because you'll be hiking.
