July 4 | Optional Memorial in the Italian provinces
GREETINGS BY HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE BEATIFICATION CEREMONY
I now greet the pilgrims who have come from various regions of Italy and the world to honor Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio. My heartfelt thoughts go out to each and every one of you, especially to those who are part of the spiritual family of the Missionary Carmelite Sisters of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus.
This newly beatified woman placed the presence of the merciful Jesus—whom she encountered and adored in the Sacrament of the Eucharist—at the center of her life. A genuine passion for souls characterized the life of Mother Maria Crocifissa, who zealously practiced “spiritual reparation” to reciprocate Jesus’ love for us. Her life was one of constant prayer, even as she went about serving others, especially poor and needy young women. May Blessed Maria Crocifissa Curcio continue to watch over from heaven the Congregation she founded and all her devotees.
