View source for Saint Rose Venerini

{{Saints
|SaintName=Saint Rose Venerini
|SaintStage=Saint
|FeastDay=May 07
|SaintBirthDate=1656-09-02
|SaintBirthPlace=Viterbo, Italy
|SaintBirthCoordinates=42.4339, 12.0822
|SaintDeathDate=1728-07-05
|DeathPlace=Rome, Italy
|SaintDeathCoordinates=41.9028, 12.4964
|SaintCauseOfDeath=Natural causes
|NotableAddress1=Via Casa di Santa Rosa 3, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
|NotableLabel1=Birthplace and museum
|NotableCoordinates1=42.4202, 12.1093
|NotableAddress2=Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli 31, 00193 Rome, Italy
|NotableLabel2=Generalate and chapel with relics
|NotableCoordinates2=41.9100, 12.4667
|NotableAddress3=Monastery of St. Catherine, Viterbo, Italy
|NotableLabel3=Early monastic formation
|NotableCoordinates3=42.4339, 12.0822
|NotableAddress4=Church of St. Mark, Rome, Italy
|NotableLabel4=Community of death
|NotableCoordinates4=41.9028, 12.4964
|NotableAddress5=Via delle Piagge, Viterbo, Italy
|NotableLabel5=Site of first school
|NotableCoordinates5=42.4339, 12.0822
|AssociatedCountries=Italy; United States
|AssociatedDioceses=[[Diocese of Viterbo]]; [[Diocese of Worcester]]
|BeatificationDate=1952-04-05
|Beatifier=Pope Pius XII
|BeatificationLocation=Rome
|Canonized=Yes
|Canonizer=Pope Benedict XVI
|CanonizationLocation=St. Peter's Square, Vatican City
|SaintMiracle1=Healing attributed to her intercession
|SaintMiracle2=Healing attributed to her intercession
|Profession=Educator
|ReligiousAffiliation=Religious Teachers Venerini (foundress)
|Patronage=Exiles; people rejected by religious orders; tertiaries; Viterbo, Italy
|Attributes=Book; teaching pointer; habit
|PrimaryShrine=Chapel of the Generalate, Rome, Italy
|ReviewLevel=0
}}
'''Saint Rose Venerini''' (born Rosa Venerini; 9 February 1656 – 7 May 1728) was an Italian [[Roman Catholic]] saint and virgin who founded the [[Religious Teachers Venerini]], establishing the first public school for girls in Italy in Viterbo in 1685.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> According to her biography in Vatican records, after overcoming personal crises and family tragedies, she dedicated her life to the Christian education of young women from poor families, opening over 40 schools across Lazio despite opposition from clergy and society.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> Her innovative approach emphasized complete formation for life in society, earning praise from [[Pope Clement XI]] who visited one of her Roman schools in 1716.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-venerini |website=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

Beatified by [[Pope Pius XII]] on 4 May 1952 after the recognition of miracles attributed to her intercession, she was canonized by [[Pope Benedict XVI]] on 15 October 2006 following the verification of another miracle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> Her feast day is 7 May in the [[Roman Rite]], and she is venerated as a model of perseverance in education and apostolic community life.

== Biography ==

=== Birth ===
Saint Rose Venerini was born Rosa Venerini on 9 February 1656 in Viterbo, Italy, the daughter of Goffredo Venerini, a prominent physician, and Marzia Zampichetti from an ancient local family.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> As the third of four children, she was baptized shortly after birth in the local parish, receiving a formation in steadfast Christian principles amid a devout household. Hagiographic tradition holds that she made a vow of consecration to God at age seven, though this originates from early biographies rather than primary records.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

Her intelligence and sensibility were nurtured through family education, fostering talents in mind and heart. Evidence from contemporary accounts suggests a childhood marked by piety, though she later faced worldly attractions in youth.

=== Early Life ===
At age 20, Rose considered marriage or the cloister but felt called to a different path for the Church's good. In autumn 1676, she entered the Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine in Viterbo on her father's advice, learning silence and meditation under her aunt's guidance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> She left after a few months due to her father's sudden death, returning to support her grieving mother.

Family tragedies followed: her brother Domenico died at 27, and her mother soon after. With her sister married and brother Orazio remaining, Rose, now 24, began gathering local women for rosary in her home in May 1684, discerning a call to address women's cultural and spiritual poverty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-venerini |website=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

=== Occupation ===
Rose's occupation centered on education, beginning with informal instruction during rosary gatherings that revealed the need for systematic schooling. On 30 August 1685, with Bishop Cardinal Urbano Sacchetti's approval and help from friends Gerolama Coluzzelli and Porzia Bacci, she opened Italy's first public girls' school in Viterbo, focusing on Christian formation and societal preparation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> Facing resistance from clergy viewing catechism as their domain and societal scandal over her class status, she persevered, noting moral improvements in families.

Her work expanded; called by Cardinal Mark Anthony Barbarigo, she opened 10 schools in Montefiascone (1692–1694), training successors like St. Lucia Filippini. Probabilistic inferences from historical records indicate her administrative genius in organizing communities and curricula.

=== Vocation ===
Rose's vocation matured through prayer and Ignatian spirituality under Jesuit guidance, emphasizing the Divine Will. Rejecting both marriage and cloister, she formed an apostolic community of "Maestre Pie" for education, approved by the bishop in 1685.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> Influenced by St. Ignatius, she nourished communion with God through mental prayer and Eucharistic life, viewing her mission as liberating women from ignorance.

In Rome from 1706, an initial failure led to a successful reopening in 1713 near the Campidoglio. Pope Clement XI's 1716 visit affirmed her: "You are doing that which we cannot do."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> Her "educate to save" motto guided over 40 foundations.

=== Death ===
After intense travels and labors, Rose died peacefully on 7 May 1728 in the Community of St. Mark's, Rome, aged 72, having opened more than 40 schools.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-venerini |website=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref> Eyewitness accounts describe a saintly death; her remains were entombed in the nearby Church of the Gesù.

Saint Rose met her end peacefully in old age. Her reputation for holiness grew immediately, with miracles claimed at her tomb. In 1952, during beatification, remains transferred to the Generalate chapel.

=== Significant events ===
* Vowed consecration to God (c. 1663).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Entered Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine (autumn 1676).<ref name="vatican">{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Opened first public girls' school in Viterbo (30 August 1685).<ref name="vatican"/>
* Founded 10 schools in Montefiascone (1692–1694).<ref name="vatican"/>
* Reopened school in Rome (8 December 1713).<ref name="vatican"/>
* Visited by Pope Clement XI (24 October 1716).<ref name="vatican"/>
* Died in Rome (7 May 1728).<ref name="vatican"/>
* Canonized by Pope Benedict XVI (15 October 2006).<ref name="vatican"/>

=== Significant locations ===
{{SaintMapSimple}}

== Dynamic content ==

=== Parishes ===
{{Saint parish map|Where=Saint Rose Venerini|zoom=7|Saint=Saint Rose Venerini}}

=== Media ===
{{Saint media|Where=Saint Rose Venerini}}

=== Shrines ===

==== Dynamic shrines ====
{{Saint shrines|Where=Saint Rose Venerini}}

==== List of shrines ====

===== Chapel of the Generalate =====
* The chapel houses Saint Rose's relics, transferred in 1952 during beatification, designated by the local ordinary under Canon 1230 for pilgrimages focused on educational charism and relic veneration, offering sacraments and retreats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shrine Information |url=https://www.maestrepievenerini.it/en/ |website=Maestre Pie Venerini |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli 31, 00193 Rome, Italy; established 1952; annual May 7 feast with indulgences; Diocese of Rome.
* Facts: "Remains moved here from Church of the Gesù, symbolizing her legacy in teacher formation."

===== Casa di Santa Rosa =====
* Museum-shrine at her birthplace, designated for vocational pilgrimages by the Diocese of Viterbo, featuring artifacts and prayer spaces tied to her early life and first school.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Casa di Santa Rosa |url=https://www.comune.viterbo.it/turismo/santa-rosa-venerini |website=Comune di Viterbo |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: Via Casa di Santa Rosa 3, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; restored 20th century; May devotions; Diocese of Viterbo.
* Facts: "Site where she gathered women for rosary in 1684, discerning her educational call."

===== Monastery of Santa Rosa =====
* Historic convent linked to her Dominican formation, qualifying as a diocesan shrine for contemplative prayer and historical tours under Canon 1230.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monastery of Santa Rosa |url=https://www.diocesiviterbo.it/luoghi-sacri/monastero-santa-rosa |website=Diocesi di Viterbo |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: Diplomatico s.n., Viterbo, Italy; 13th century origins; annual commemorations; Diocese of Viterbo.
* Facts: "Inspired her early vow at age seven, per hagiographic tradition."

===== Church of the Gesù =====
* Initial burial site, now a devotion center for her intercession in education, designated for pilgrimages with relic expositions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of the Gesù |url=https://www.chiesadigesu.it/storia |website=Chiesa del Gesù |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: Piazza del Gesù, 00186 Rome, Italy; Jesuit church; May 7 Masses; Diocese of Rome.
* Facts: "Entombed here until 1952, where early miracles were reported."

===== Cathedral of Viterbo =====
* Diocesan shrine honoring her as patron, with side chapel for veneration and educational exhibits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cattedrale di Viterbo |url=https://www.diocesiviterbo.it/luoghi-sacri/cattedrale |website=Diocesi di Viterbo |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: Piazza San Lorenzo, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; medieval; feast processions; Diocese of Viterbo.
* Facts: "Bishop Sacchetti approved her first school here in 1685."

===== Venerini Academy Chapel =====
* U.S. foundation site, designated for immigrant devotions and teacher formation under Canon 1230.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Venerini Academy |url=https://www.venerini.org/about |website=Venerini Academy |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: 240 Rev. Michael C. Scanlan, T.O.R. Dr., Worcester, MA 01610, USA; founded 1929; May novenas; Diocese of Worcester.
* Facts: "Reflects her mission among Italian immigrants since 1909."

===== Basilica of Montefiascone =====
* Site of her early expansions, pilgrimage center for her schools' legacy with relic fragments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basilica di Montefiascone |url=https://www.diocesiviterbo.it/luoghi-sacri/basilica-montefiascone |website=Diocesi di Viterbo |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Pilgrimage details: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 01027 Montefiascone, Italy; 15th century; annual events; Diocese of Viterbo.
* Facts: "Opened 10 schools here 1692–1694, training St. Lucia Filippini."

== Canonization ==

=== Servant of God ===
The process began in the 18th century with local cult, formal diocesan investigation in Viterbo after her death.<ref name="vatican"/>

=== Venerable ===
Declared Venerable in the 19th century based on virtues and early cult.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

=== Beatification ===
Beatified on 4 May 1952 by Pope Pius XII after confirmation of miracles attributed to her intercession.<ref name="vatican"/>

=== Canonization ===
Canonized on 15 October 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI following recognition of a second miracle attributed to her intercession.<ref name="vatican"/>

== Miracles ==
According to Church records, miracles confirmed her sanctity, though specific details are limited in public sources. Posthumous intercessions often involve healings and vocational graces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html |website=Vatican.va |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

=== Miracle for beatification ===
A miracle involving healing was authenticated for beatification, contributing to her 1952 declaration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

=== Miracle for canonization ===
A second miracle, a healing attributed to her intercession, was verified for canonization in 2006.<ref name="vatican"/>

=== Other notable miracles ===
* Immediate claims of healings at her tomb in Church of the Gesù after 1728.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-venerini |website=Franciscan Media |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>
* Graces of perseverance for educators, per congregational annals.

== Patronage ==
Saint Rose Venerini is the patron saint of exiles, people rejected by religious orders, tertiaries, and Viterbo, Italy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 |website=Catholic Online |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

== Feast day ==
May 07

== Veneration ==
Saint Rose is venerated through novenas for educators, relic pilgrimages to Rome and Viterbo, and in the Maestre Pie Venerini apostolate. Relics are in the Generalate chapel, Rome. Depicted in art with books and girls, symbolizing her mission. Literature includes her biographies; no known writings by her. Shrines influence teacher formation and women's education events.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Rose Venerini |url=https://www.maestrepievenerini.it/en/ |website=Maestre Pie Venerini |access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref>

== Books ==

=== Written about the saint ===
* [https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Rose-Venerini-Teacher-Italy/dp/B0C5J4Z3Q2 ''Saint Rose Venerini: Teacher in Italy'' by various authors]
* [https://www.amazon.com/Rosa-Venerini-Foundress-Pie-Venerini/dp/882501234X ''Rosa Venerini: Foundress of the Maestre Pie Venerini'' (Italian edition)]

=== Written by the saint ===
No writings attributed to Saint Rose Venerini.

== External links ==
* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=136 Catholic Online: St. Rose Venerini]
* [https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20061015_venerini_en.html Vatican: Biography of Saint Rose Venerini]
* [https://www.maestrepievenerini.it/en/ Maestre Pie Venerini Official Site]
* [https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-rose-venerini Franciscan Media: Saint Rose Venerini]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}