Blessed Itala Mela
Also known as
- Sister Maria of the Trinity
Profile
Lay woman in the diocese of La Spezia, Italy, the daughter of primary school teachers of indifferent faith. Itala herself fell completely away from the Church following her brother’s death. However, she later had a conversion experience, returned to the Church, and felt a call to religious life. Though she suffered with health problems, she became a Benedictine Oblate of the Abbey of Saint Paul outside the Walls in Rome, Italy. Noted theological writer, known for her depth of understanding of the Trinity as part of the faith.
Born
- 12 June 2014 by Pope Francis (decree of heroic virtues)
- 10 June 2017 by Pope Francis
- beatification recognition celebrated at Piazza Europa, La Spezia, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato
Readings
Itala Mela was proclaimed Blessed yesterday at La Spezia. She grew up in a family that was far from the faith. In her youth she professed herself atheist, however, she converted following an intense spiritual experience. She was committed among Catholic University students; then she became a Benedictine Oblate and undertook a mystical journey focused on the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, which we celebrate today in a special way. May the testimony of the new Blessed encourage us, during our days, to turn our thought often to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who dwells in the cell of our heart. – Pope Francis during his Angelus address, 11 June 2017
MLA Citation
- “Blessed Itala Mela“. CatholicSaints.Info. 28 April 2024. Web. 15 May 2024. <>