Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello

About Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello

Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello was born on October 2, 1791, in Langasco, Italy. She married Giovanni Frassinello in 1816. In 1818 the couple agreed to live chastely and care for her sister Maria. After Maria died in 1825, Giovanni entered the Somaschi Fathers and Benedetta entered the Ursulines at Capriolo.

Benedetta left the Ursulines because of her own ill health. After recovering, she devoted herself to educating poor and abandoned girls in Pavia. At the bishop's request, Giovanni left his novitiate to assist her work. In 1838 they moved with companions to Ronco Scrivia, where her work developed into the Benedictine Sisters of Providence.

She died on March 21, 1858. Pope John Paul II beatified her on May 10, 1987, and canonized her on May 19, 2002.