Servant of God

Sr. Maria Alfonsa Bruno was bron in Tarquinia (Viterbo), Italy, on April 10, 1937. Her parents, Leonardo Bruno and Gerland Alaimo, brought her to baptism on June 13, 1937, giving her the name Elena Rita Antonia. On November 4, 1956, she entered the congregation of the handmaid of Reparation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Messina, Italy, founded on February 2, 1918, by Msgr. Antonino Celona. Sr. M. Alfonsa’s desire was to immerse herself in the presence of God and to conform herself to her crucified Spouse whose love and Passion she wanted to share.

On January 2, 1960, she pronounced her temporary vows. She strongly felt the call to an ecclesial ministry: to be in communion with Christ crucified and to announce the Good News to all.

During this time her interior life grew and her desire to become a witness of the Gospel became more apparent. On February 28, 1960, she left for Steubenville, Ohio, USA, and lived at the Ohio convent for eight years, Sr. M. Alfonsa dedicated herself to community duties and to the care of children in the Preschool and Kindergarten. In 1962 she began her studies toward a degree in elementary education at Greensburg, College while living with the Sisters of Charity. On February 3, 1964, she pronounced her perpetual vows. Sr. M. Alfonsa always desired to be a missionary, and when the Lord showed her that her mission would be “a suffering mission, “ she accepted God’s will in a spirit of total abandonment and reparation.

Because of her rheumatoid arthritis, it was necessary for her to return to Italy on June 7, 1968, taking residence in the Mother House, Messina. Paralyzed by the progressive crippling arthritis, she lived the next 26 years giving exemplary witness of her religious call as a true Handmaid of Reparation. Gifted with wisdom, generosity, and kindness, she kept an interior peace and recollection. Always united with God in faith, joy and serenity, she was sought by many who came to her for spiritual advice, prayers, and spiritual direction, and to all she became their spiritual mother, sister, and confidante.

Sr. Alfonsa closed her life on earth amid much suffering on August 23, 1994, after 33 years of illness, 21 of these spent in a wheelchair.

On June 21st, 2002, the process for her beatification and canonization of Sr. Alfonsa was officially opened. After years of examination, the Servant of God, Sr. Maria Alfonsa’s life was declared heroic and virtuous. the next step in the process is beatification - a verified miracle through her intercession is needed in order for her to be called “Blessed”

Of her life we can say what Scripture says of the just man…

“Even in death, she lives forever.”

“I love the Church that has given me so much precious good. I bless and thank Jesus "