Our Foundress and History

Mother M. Catherine was born in Giuliano di Roma on January 19, 1813. After a tragic incident at home when she was five years old, she was entrusted to the care of the sisters of the Conservatory of St. Clare of Charity in Ferentino. Growing up under their care, she flourished in age and virtue. At the age of 15, she received the habit of the same religious community and dedicated her life to their work.

In 1829, she made her Solemn Profession, all while harboring a deep desire to go and serve in mission lands. Her dream came true in 1859 when she was requested by the apostolic delegate to Egypt to join a mission there. Overcoming numerous difficulties, Mother M. Catherine embarked on her journey to Egypt, accompanied by five other sisters. On September 14, 1859, they landed in Cairo and began their apostolate.

Cairo became the center of Mother Catherine's zealous work, where she was known as the "White Mother." Her dedication quickly spread to other Egyptian villages, bringing about positive effects wherever she went. This marked the birth of the first female Italian Missionary Congregation in Egypt, which later expanded to other countries and continents.

Mother M. Catherine continued her mission work in Egypt until her death on May 6, 1887, in Cairo. Her devotion and impact were recognized by Pope John Paul II, who beatified her on April 14, 1985. Her memory and charism live on in the Congregation she founded, which now includes 600 Sisters spread across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America.

Mother M. Catherine's words serve as an inspiration to the Congregation: "God has called us...let us go!...Souls: These are the only joys that we enjoy and for which every privation, every sacrifice seems as nothing to us."