St. Teresa Eustochio

Ø  Foundress of the Institute of the Heart of Daughters of the Sacred Jesus
Born	31st July 1801 in Bergamo,Italy
Died	3rd March 1852 in  Brescia
Beatified	In 1946 by Pope Pius XII
Canonized	10th June  2001 by Pope John Paul II
Feast	3rd March

Italian virgin and founder of the Institute of the Heart of Daughters of the Sacred Jesus. Member of a noble family of Bergamo, in Lombardy, she was formed in the religious life in the Benedictine community of her native city. Teresa’s mother, Countess Elena Pedrocca-Grumelli, had felt drawn to the religious life, but her aunt, a Poor Clare nun, prophesied that Elena would be the mother of holy children. Teresa was the oldest of the seven children; her brother became bishop of Brescia, Italy. Ingazia was educated at home, and the canon Giuseppe Benaglio, Vicar General of the diocese of Bergamo, Italy was her spiritual teacher.   Benedictine nun at Bergamo. Dedicated to the education of young girls. Founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 8 February 1831. Built orphanages, retreat centers, and provided help to the old, sick and infirm; noted spiritual guide and teacher. An extensive correspondent, in addition to the Constitutions and Book of Duties for the congregation, she left over 3,500 letters. The Daughters continue their mission in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, India, and Albania.   She died in Brescia. Her feast day is March 3 . The relics of Teresa Verzeri  are venerated in the chapel of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Bergamo.