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Today is the feast of Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagghedu della Unita, a Cistercian nun who offered her life for the unity of Christians, dying at the age of 25 at the Italian monastery of Grottaferrata in 1939.

Don Marco has two excellent posts concerning her life and mission, while the Cistercians have a concise biography of the Beata.

In my former work as a Catholic bookstore manager, I ordered a recent book on her life to be sold in the store, with the hopes of having it included in the catalog.  The book didn’t do well.  In the store I worked, many customers tend to be more traditional, therefore, apparently suspicious of anything to do with ecumenism.

Since the Council, the word ecumenism has taken on a somewhat negative connotation with the blurring of the lines, as it were, between  various Christian and non-Christian groups.  Hindus conducting services at the altar in Fatima, Tibetan monks conducting ritual in Catholic sanctuaries, the Assisi debacle, joint “Masses’” with women and men of other non-Catholic denominations, and other abuses.  Hence, the bad rap for ecumenical movements.  It can sometimes be rather confusing for the devout Roman Catholic faithful to discern authentic ecumenism from the more occult tendecy towards a generic ”World-wide Religion”.

Having stated that, Blessed Maria Gabriella’s beatification propelled a faithful soul’s ardent longing for authentic Christian unity, to the center of the ecumenical movement.  It would be good for those concerned for Christian unity to read about her and develop a devotion to her, whose mission in heaven would be consistent with her vocation on earth.

Blessed Maria Gabriella in her own words:

I offered myself entirely and I do not withdraw the given word.

God’s will whatever it may be, this is my joy, my happiness, my peace.

I will never be able to thank enough.

I cannot say but these words:” My God, your Glory.”   - Vultus Christi 

(At the end of the Cistercian biography is a bibliography of recent books concerning Blessed Maria Gabriella - and always check Amazon for the best prices- free shipping on purchases over $25!)