Born in Boves (Cuneo, Italy) on September 2, 1880, Sister Gabriella embodied the holiness of everyday life in an extraordinary way. Upon entering the Company of the Daughters of Charity, she devoted her life to humble service away from the spotlight: her days were spent working in the kitchen, organizing the pantry, and caring for the garden in the towns of Angera, Lugano, and Luserna.
Despite the simplicity of her ordinary life, her faith became a source of heroism when circumstances demanded it. During the devastating Spanish Flu epidemic in Lugano, Sister Gabriella did not hesitate to give herself completely, working day and night to offer comfort and direct assistance to the sick and dying.
Always inspired by a deep and constant devotion to the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she made her life a continual offering, offering her labors and sufferings for the sanctification of priests and for the spiritual well-being of her community.
Her profound humility and her ever-radiant and edifying presence left such a deep impression on those who knew her that, on the very day of her funeral (January 1, 1949), the people spontaneously gave her the title of “Holy Sister.”
On this anniversary, the General Postulation of the Congregation of the Mission offers a prayer and entrusts to her intercession the entire great Vincentian Family, priests throughout the world, and all the faithful who entrust themselves to her prayers each day.
Venerable Sister Gabriella Borgarino, pray for us!
