Clelia Barbieri was born in 1847 in Le Budrie, a hamlet in San Giovanni in Persiceto.
She remained fatherless at 8 years old,and, still when very young, she felt vocation for doing both completative and missionary. In 1862 Clelia entered the "Operaie della dottrina cristiana''. Thanks to catechistic service, she cleared her vocation inventing a new way of common life, based on the pure essence of the Gospel.
Her project was based on the assistance to poor, sick and dying people, as well as on work and social education. In particular, she considered commitment in education as a women’s renaissance phenomenon, so coherent and effective even if silent and hidden.
Clelia's spiritual commitment represents a young model of sainthood, completely integrated in the rural parish atmosphere.
Clelia died in Le Budrie in 1870. She was declared a blessed by Paolo VI in 1968 and then Saint by Giovanni Paolo II on the 9th April 1989. Her reliquaries are kept in the Oratory of San Giuseppe, annexed to the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata, today known as the Sanctuary of Santa Clelia Barbieri.
A traditional festival in honour of Santa Clelia Barbieri is held every year on 13th July at the Le Budrie.
Interests
- Lifestyle
