Morosini, Pierina, Bl.
MOROSINI, PIERINA, BL.
Also known as Petrina, virgin martyr, lay woman; b. Jan. 7, 1931, at Fiobbo di Albino (near Bergamo), Lombardy, Italy; d. there, April 4, 1957. Pierina was the eldest child in a large, poor, farm family. After completing grammar school, she learned tailoring and quickly found work in a textile factory in Albino. St. Maria goretti became a model for her life. Although Pierina's family obligations
prevented her from becoming a missionary nun, she annually renewed her decision for celibacy as an oblation. Pierina sanctified her daily labors and participated in catholic action, evangelization, parish activities, and daily Eucharist. She was attacked on her way home from work by a man who stoned her to death for refusing to comply with his wishes. She never regained consciousness and died two days later in hospital at the age of twenty-six. Her mortal remains rest in the place of her birth and death. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II, Oct. 4, 1987.
Feast: April 6.
Bibliography: Acta Apostolicae Sedis (1987): 983. L'Osservatore Romano, Eng. ed. 40 (1987): 20. g. carrara, La ragazza incredibile: Pierina Morosini nella sua epoca e nella sua valle (Gorle, Italy 1989). f. rossi, Pierina Morosini, Bienheureuse vierge et martyre (Hauteville, Switz. 2000).
[k. i. rabenstein]