Beatification of Sister Giuseppina Nicoli
“La benediction du ciel” was one of the more pious utterances heard as we huddled under umbrellas on the morning of the Beatification of Sr. Giuseppina. For the heavens had literally opened and poured down upon the thousands of people gathered in the Piazza Paolo VI in Cagliari to honour her. Later we heard that the people regarded the rain as a gift from Sr. Giuseppina as the country was badly in need of rain for the crops. This would be typical of this woman who spent 40 years in this city discovering and responding practically and lovingly to the needs of its people especially the young. Below is a quote from her life about her beloved “Basket boys” featured on the cards printed for this special occasion. They were young homeless lads who gathered in the market square with their baskets hoping to earn a little money fetching and carrying for the shoppers.“Through her trust and friendship she guided them to find the Lord. She called them “Marianelli- Mary’s little rascals” confiding them to Mary’s protection. She gave them classes, prepared them for work, instructed them in the faith, providing them with an education which sent them back into society with a better awareness of their dignity” This was how Sr. Giuseppina dealt with the many other groups who came her way. She saw a need, thought about what needed to be done and did it! That was her way to sainthood >>>