Venerable Sister Laura Meozzi and Sicily

Rome (Italy). August 30, 2023 marks 82 years since the death of the Venerable Sister Laura Meozzi (5 January 1873 – 30 August 1951), Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, Italian pioneer in Poland.

Although her life and spiritual motherhood undoubtedly flourished in Poland and were linked to it, tried by the fire of tribulation experienced during the Second World War, the years preceding the beginning of the mission lived in Sicily were decisive for her formation.

From 1913 to 1922, Sister Laura was Animator at Alì Marina, today Alì Terme, in the province of Messina, Maria Ausiliatrice and Nunziata di Mascali (Catania) in Catania. Like two other FMA on their way to the glory of the altars, first Maddalena Morano and then Rosetta Marchese, Laura Meozzi lives in “Sicilia Bedda” (Beautiful Sicily) the significant experiences of realizing the Salesian charism in well-established communities, populated by many Sisters and girls.

Some “brush strokes” help to reconstruct the face of a Salesian educator passionate about the Gospel and youth.

In Alì Marina, Sister Laura, in addition to animating a community of 28 Sisters and three postulants, directed the kindergarten, the private complementary and normal Elementary school with resident students, and coordinated parish catechetical activities and the festive oratory. As there was not enough staff, she taught physical education.

Her priority was people. The chronicles underline her care for the Sisters and girls, whom she systematically received in colloquies to take attend to their formation. An FMA recalls the teachings received from Sister Laura on how to behave with the girls. “Never speak to them angrily, but always with moderation. Speak softly to your pupils and never until they are in perfect silence. Don’t scold immediately every time you see a breach of duty but always admonish them away from the other girls. Never have any partiality.”

Sister Laura and Sister Linda Lucotti (later Superior General of the Institute from 1943 to 1957), who arrived as Principal in October 1915, are responsible for the initiation of the procedures for the governmental equalization of the School obtained following the inspection which took place in August 1916. With much kindness, the Animator and the Principal achieved what today would perhaps be unthinkable, the girls postponed their departure for the summer holidays.

In the same year the Venerable, with a letter to the Superior General, asked to be “chosen among the lucky ones chosen to go to the field hospital”. Between October and November 1915, Sister Laura attended a nursing course, complying with the invitation of the Superiors to the sisters to prepare themselves and assist wounded soldiers. In fact, the First World War had broken out.

In 1918, they arrived at Mary Help of Christians in Catania. The house, which became the seat of the Sicula Province in 1908, had a boarding school, a festive oratory, private schools, and a kindergarten. In the three years she lived there, she left an imprint of charity and prayer.

The Grotto of Lourdes, still visible, was wanted by her as an expression of love for the Immaculate Virgin that she desired to transmit to the young people and to all those who frequented the house. To build it, she did not hesitate to ask benefactors for offerings and raise money by organizing lotteries and shows. They were also years of suffering from epidemics which, despite the precautions, caused two victims among the boarders and serious illnesses for some Sisters. Sister Laura, right after the solemn inauguration of the Grotto of Lourdes, was also taken to the sanatorium where she remained for a month.

In September 1921, she was transferred to Nunziata di Mascali, on the slopes of Etna, where a community of ten Sisters resided working in the boarding school, teaching in the elementary school, in the festive oratory, and parish catechism. She was able to cultivate deep relationships with the young people and with the population.

The following year, the fiftieth since the Institute was founded, would mark a decisive watershed in her life. Elected as substitute for the Delegate of the Province at the General Chapter, she participated in it instead of the Delegate. Sr. Laura would never return to Sicily. The Sisters were saddened by this, but commented, “her departure for the difficult mission in Poland was painful for all but not hindered because they understood well that this call from God was reserved for holy and generous souls.”