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Blessed Jane Scopelli, Pray for us ! |
A Life of Faith and Fortitude
On July 9, we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Giovanna Scopelli, an Italian Carmelite nun whose unwavering devotion led her to establish her own convent in Reggio Emilia. Born in 1428 and beatified in 1771 by Pope Clement XIV, Giovannaβs journey from a pious young woman to a revered religious figure is a story of perseverance and trust in Godβs plan. Known for her austere life and dedication to the poor, she is a patron for those mocked for their faith, offering inspiration to all who face adversity for their beliefs.
Giovanna Scopelli was born in 1428 in Reggio Emilia to Simone and Caterina Scopelli. From an early age, she felt a deep calling to the religious life, drawn to prayer and service. However, her parents opposed her vocation, forbidding her from joining the Carmelite Third Order during her youth. Respecting their wishes, Giovanna remained at home, living a life of piety and austerity, quietly nurturing her spiritual devotion until circumstances allowed her to follow her calling.
After her parentsβ passing around 1480, Giovanna was free to pursue her religious aspirations. She began her mission by collaborating with a widow and the widowβs two daughters, living together in a small house that served as a makeshift convent from 1480 to 1484. This humble beginning laid the foundation for the Carmelite convent of Santa Maria del Popolo, which Giovanna formally established. In 1485, with the support of Bishop Filippo Zoboli, she acquired the church of Saint Bernard, expanding the conventβs presence. As its first prioress, Giovanna led with humility, insisting that her nuns accept only unconditional alms, reflecting her commitment to poverty and trust in divine providence. The nuns, known as βThe White Nunsβ for their distinctive habits, became a beacon of faith in the community.
Giovannaβs leadership was marked by her rejection of worldly comforts and her focus on spiritual discipline. In 1487, a priest was assigned as the conventβs confessor, further solidifying its structure. Giovanna died on July 9, 1491, and was buried in the conventβs gardens. When her remains were exhumed in 1492, they were found to be incorrupt, a sign of her sanctity that deepened local devotion. Though her convent was suppressed in 1797, her relics were preserved and relocated in 1803, continuing to inspire the faithful.
The process for Giovannaβs beatification began in 1500 under Pope Alexander VI, with a tribunal collecting testimonies to her holy life. The cause gained momentum in the 18th century, culminating in her beatification on August 24, 1771, when Pope Clement XIV recognized her enduring local cultus, or widespread veneration. Today, Blessed Giovanna is honored as a patron for those ridiculed for their piety, a fitting tribute to a woman who remained steadfast despite early opposition to her calling.
Blessed Giovanna Scopelliβs life reminds us that faith can flourish even in the face of obstacles. Her dedication to prayer, poverty, and service offers a powerful example for those who strive to live authentically Christian lives, especially when misunderstood or mocked. As we celebrate her feast on July 9, let us draw strength from her courage and commitment to Godβs will.
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