Your Faith Journey with EWTN
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
March 1, 1774–April 10, 1835
Patron Saint of Daughters of Charity, Sons of Charity
St. Magdalene of Canossa was a woman of deep faith who surrendered a life of privilege to serve Christ by serving the poor. Born in Verona, Italy, in 1774 to a noble family, she lost both parents at an early age. Her early experiences of loss and abandonment shaped her compassion for those who felt forgotten or unloved.
As a young woman, St. Magdalene lived in an aristocratic society but felt increasingly drawn to prayer and charitable service. Initially, she tried twice to join the Carmelites, but discerned it was not her vocation. After more than a decade of running her large estate, her heart turned once more toward serving the suffering poor in the wake of the French Revolutionary Wars.
St. Magdalene made the courageous decision to leave her family’s wealth behind and dedicate her life fully to God and the poor. In 1808, she founded the Daughters of Charity, now known as the Canossian Sisters. The congregation was devoted to educating poor girls, caring for the sick, and teaching the Faith to those with limited access to Christian instruction. St. Magdalene believed that education and catechesis were essential tools for human dignity and spiritual renewal.
St. Magdalene’s vision soon expanded. Recognizing the need for male religious to assist in charitable and educational efforts, she later founded the Sons of Charity, also called the Canossian Fathers. She established five houses in Northern Italy before her death.
St. Magdalene of Canossa died on April 10, 1835. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988, she is remembered as a woman of courage and compassion whose love for Christ led her to serve the most vulnerable with humility and joy.
St. Magdalene believed education was essential for restoring dignity and faith, especially among the poor. She saw that many children, particularly girls, were denied basic schooling and religious instruction. By educating both the mind and the heart, St. Magdalene hoped to break cycles of poverty and help individuals recognize their worth as children of God. The sisters practiced “charity in action,” characterized by a “most loving, most generous, and most patient” spirit. The guiding principle focused on bringing God’s love and tenderness to everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Their core mission remains to make Jesus Christ known through humble service to the poor, the sick, the uneducated, and the neglected, offering compassion and dignity.
The Daughters of Charity (Canossian Sisters) and the Sons of Charity (Canossian Fathers) continue St. Magdalene’s mission around the world. They serve through schools, parishes, hospitals, orphanages, and social outreach programs, especially among marginalized communities. Their work emphasizes education, catechesis, and compassionate service rooted in contemplation of Christ crucified. They serve globally on five continents, with a strong presence in more than 30 countries, including key missions in Asia, North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe, Africa, and Australia, with their General House in Rome.
St. Magdalene of Canossa is often depicted wearing the habit of the Canossian Sisters, holding a crucifix, or pointing to Christ crucified. These images highlight her deep devotion to the Cross and her belief that charity flows from contemplating Christ’s sacrificial love. She is commonly depicted in religious art as a compassionate, nurturing figure, often interacting with poor or orphaned children, symbolizing her devotion to education and charity. She is sometimes shown pointing toward a crucifix or holding a book, reflecting her spiritual focus on the Passion of Christ and teaching. These artistic representations portray St. Magdalene as a saint actively engaged in charitable work, including distributing food to the needy, promoting education, and serving the vulnerable.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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