Saint Clelia’s Heart of The Love of the Child King with Open arms
Biographical Sketch of Saint Clelia Barbieri
St. Clelia Barbieri is another example along with St. Teresa of Jesus of the Andes and St. Gemma Galgani of a holy Virgin that Jesus has prepared and preserved to play an instrumental role in bringing souls into the Immaculate Heart of Mary in these times for their salvation.
Clelia Barbieri was born to Giacinta Nannetti and Giuseppe Barbieri, on February 13th, 1847 in the village of “Budrie” of S. Giovanni in Persiceto in the outskirts of Bologna, Italy and in the Archdiocese of Bologna. Giacinta and Giuseppe’s relationship was one of differences. He was 21 when they were married on April 27, 1846 and she was 29. She came from one of the most prominent families in town and he came from one of the poorest. Giacinta’s brother, Zeffirino Nannetti was an accomplished medical doctor who gave the Nanetti family name much prestige.
After the wedding they moved into the humble cottage of Clelia’s Grandfather, Sante Barbieri who was well known for his great faith. He also was a member of the labourers class that processed the valuable hemp crop of the region. Immediately after St. Clelia Barbier was born she was taken to the baptismal font of the local Church. In Holy Baptism she was give the names of Clelia, Maria, Rachele, however she was always called Clelia. Giacinta instilled the love of God early in her life and her beloved daughter became concerned with nothing else other than pleasing God when she reached the age of reason. Clelia at this time enjoyed the pleasure of having strong relationships with both her parents, and grandparents. A little sister Ernesta was born to the family when Clelia was 3. Little is known about this very early time in Clelia’s life but it is safe to say that she spent these first years happly with her family and taking care of her sister.
However sorrow soon entered the household in 1852 with the death of her Grand Father, Sante Barbieri. Clelia was 5 years old and loved her Grandfather but we can imagine that him no longer being close by was a point of sorrow for her. But the sorrow did not end there with the death her grandmother, Rosa Zanasi the following year on June 29, 1853. Clelia was also very attached to her Grandmother who cared for Clelia since the first days of her life.
On July 11, 1855 brought a yet even a more serious blow when Clelia’s father, Giuseppe died just before he turned 30. He was the families only support, and left Giacinta with very a difficult situation. She received little help from her well to do family, and Clelia, age 8, had to help out more than ever to help stave off the poor conditions in which her mother and sister found themselves. Mother and daughter faced their challenges together to the point of heroism as they often did not have anything to eat.
At age 9, while in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, that Clelia began to sweetly delight in the thought of becoming a saint. She approached her mother and asked: “Tell me, mother, how can I become a saint?" We can imagine Her mother being deeply moved by this request. Practicing goodness, obedience, piety, charity, and virginal purity, were characteristic of Clelia’s entire life.
Her First Communion
In a heart as pure and fervent as Clelia’s, it is natural that the lively desire to unite more intimately with Jesus in Holy Communion arose spontaneously. She prepared herself in such away as to become entirely Jesus. At the age of eleven, Clelia received preparation from her pastor Don Gaetano Guidi. On the eve of that solemn day, little Clelia, with great humility and with tears in her eyes, knelt before her mother, asking her forgiveness for every shortcoming; and promising to always want to obey her better. Oh, how that good mother’s heart was moved by such a moving spectacle! What could she forgive that beloved daughter, who was a joy and comfort to Her.
On the following day, while the parish priest gave final words of preparation before receiving the King of Heaven, Clelia, as if she were alone in that great moment listened completely absorbed in ecstasy, and while in that state tears flowed from her eyes. While receiving Holy Eucharist Jesus made his presence felt and her desire to become a saint was renewed.
After giving thanks to Jesus for the beautiful graces received, and with a heart filled with fiery affections for Jesus, she then began speaking to her fellow communicants about the great benefit of having received Jesus. While she spoke like an angel, with the most touching expressions beyond her age, she suddenly experience remorse for all her sins (the sins she confessed in preparation for receiving her first communion), and ran home to prostrate herself before an image of the Blessed Virgin, whom she held as her Mother. She again begged her to obtain forgiveness for her ingratitudes and promised never to offend the good God again. Furthermore she promised to love Him with her heart, and make Him loved as much as possible. The emotion of her heart as she poured out these holy affections at the feet of her good Mother is indescribable. In the midst of her copious tears. Our Holy Mother gave her much affection in consolations which filled her with an immense joyful sweetness.
From that moment on, Clelia Barbieri’s life was not only good and all for God, but it can be said that it was angelic, living an entirely celestial life with the splendor of virtue and the fervor of the spirit, which was and inspiration to others to love and serve of God. Her exceptional contrition and repentance for her own sins lead her on a new way to take on the sins of those of the world. From this moment onward she began taking on sufferings that are the cause of sin which brought consolation and love to the sorrowing hearts of Jesus and Mary.
From the day of her first Communion, Clelia was truly someone else. She lived on earth; she took care of the small household tasks; she kept her mother and her dear little sister company; but her spirit, her heart, but her whole being was taken up by the divine Spouse. Her interior transformation of her life began to be so lively and active that, from her entire conduct, it was clear that her consolations from heaven were profound. In church and outside, she was looked upon with almost veneration as if she were not a poor uneducated young girl, but an angel descended from heaven. Every day she became more and more a true model of a Christian girl, she was obedient to her mother, and hard-working. Her prayer was continuous; she not only prayed in church, but also at home; not only during the day, but also at night. When a soul is entirely God’s, and inflamed with love for Him, it cannot help but burn with the love of others, and feel driven by love itself to work and sacrifice for them.
Her First Companion
During her frequent communions and guided by love, which is always industrious when it comes to doing good, she was constantly reflecting on how to achieve something useful for the other girls, whom she encountered every day. This desire grew vehemently in Clelia a year after her first Communion; and she not only asked her confessor, but prayed to Jesus to help her to find a true friend. And he sent the young Teodora Baraldi as a friend and confidante. She was about seventeen and therefore a little more mature than our Clelia who was 12. Teodora stood out for her solid goodness among all the young girls in the parish. Clelia after approaching her, began to open her heart to her, and invite her to be her companion and sister on the path of virtue and goodness. Suddenly the two simple and fervent souls understood each other. They truly seemed to be made for each other, and to give themselves fully to a life of virtue and holiness; and try to draw as many of their companions onto the same path. Naturally, all this was noticed by the other companions, even the younger ones, and as a result they felt an inclination to following their example.
Don Gaetano Guidi Her Pastor
In 1857, upon the death of the previous pastor Don Gaetano Guidi had assumed the direction and responsibility of the Budrie parish. He was a learned priest, that was an authentic shepherd of souls, and soon realized the beautiful designs that God had for Clelia Barbieri. When she presented herself to him from the first moment she let herself be guided by him, and he welcomed her as a blessing from God. He immediately understood that, by cultivating this extraordinary daughter, he was entering into collaboration with God in raising in her a great edifice of virtue and sanctity. The good priest admirably responded to the expectations of that chosen soul. Under his direction, Clelia devoted herself to remaining separate from the world, to the mortification of the senses, particularly of the eyes, with all the energy of her heart. She did not care what the world thought of her, she became entirely belonging to Jesus. Under the direction of Don Gaetano Guidi, the work of God was completed in her, so that she truly became in the eyes of all a true model of a young person. Don Gaetano Guidi soon directed the most pious Clelia and her good companion to the divine art of meditating, to the divine occupation of spiritual reading, placing books in their hands that gave nourishment to their spirit. The first book, the one that had much influence on the life of our young girl, was the "Practice of loving Jesus Christ," by Saint Alfonso de’ Liguori. She was guided to such a union with God that when she entered into communication with Him in church, and especially in front of the tabernacle, she was lifted out of herself in ecstasy with marvelous ease. In such intimate communications with God that she did not appear to be a mortal creature but rather an angel, a seraph from Paradise.
One day, as one of her friends relates, Clelia after confessing to the parish priest descended from the confessional, and then quickly presented herself at the foot of the main altar, where the Blessed Sacrament was kept. She was quickly transported out of herself and remained lifeless. Don Gaetano Guidi, coming out of the confessional in his surplice and stole, stood for a moment contemplating the spectacle. And then he approached the altar, lit the candles, and then opened the tabernacle doors and then he joined her in adoration. It was about a half an hour later that Clelia, the enraptured soul before Jesus, gave her first signs of life. The other person present, who was later one of her closest companions, tried to penetrate that secret, but Clelia always with great grace changed the direction of the conversation elsewhere.
All eyes and hearts were turned towards her and it was at this time when she was about the age of seventeen or twenty that she had several marriage proposals which she serenely refused. The parishioners of Budrie admired her, and were attracted by her virtues, and even more so, the girls of her age. They were led to follow her, never to abandoned her again. The parish priest, who foresaw the great good that she would bring, urged them to listen to her and follow her. She welcomed them with a kindness and a smile that immediately took possession of their hearts. This is how the apostolate began to grow.
Indeed, we can say at this time she received a continuous flow of interior extraordinary consolations. She spent much time in church meditating on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. And, often she was seen enraptured in God and gave the appearance of a seraph from Paradise. It was at this time that she was driven by the charity of Jesus which inflamed her from within. She began to enter homes to assist and comfort sick people. A word and a touch from her, was enough for afflictions to diminish, and disappear.
Those who have seen, and followed her say that if God had sent one of his angels to earth, that angel could not have lived a more beautiful, holier, and more fruitful life than that of Clelia Barbieri. The whole parish was enthusiastic about this daughter, whom God had manifested His wonders in. And also at this time a photograph was taken of Clelia by her uncle Dr. Zeffirino. She is caught with her eyes turned to the sky, and pointing to it with her left hand, while with her right hand she holds the crucifix.
God’s Work
It was at this time our good Clelia was among her the girls who clung to her to instruct them, guide them and lead them to God. And it can be said that little by little, she became the center of the parish life of the Budrie. She had acquired such influence over everyone, starting with the parish priest, her director and spiritual father. She was very young, it is true, but in addition to being gifted with wisdom beyond her years, everyone was convinced that she was guided by God, and enlightened in a particular way by His inspiration. Little by little, however, among all the daughters who surrounded her, Clelia fixed her gaze on one who stood out from the others for her seriousness of conduct and this was Orsola Donati. It was clear that Clelia, illuminated by a supernal light, chose this one among her daughters and held her close to her because she would soon fulfill the expectation of her plans which were indeed God’s plans. With renewed vigor she therefore began to take care of the interior spirit of her beloved companions, all following the direction of their common spiritual father, Don Gaetano Guidi. She and her companions gathered together at designated times to talk about Jesus and the works of Christian charity towards brothers and sisters in need, with the sole intention of bringing them to God.
Her First Illness
When she was twenty years old and was working particularly hard in caring for her companions, instructing them in Christian doctrine, she was struck by a lung infection. This combined with a weakening heart, seemed to everyone that she was dying. This was cause of fear and distress for her mother, Don Gaetano Guidi her spiritual director, and to all of her spiritual of daughters. The was unexpected and was a point of sorrow for the entire parish. Clelia was perfectly resigned and calm despite the storm. She tried to console others, by saying that everyone had to resign themselves whatever the will of God was. This was intended to be comforting to her mother and her companions but they in response decided to implore the intercession of the Holy Virgin for a cure. However, it seemed that Jesus was determined to take her home to paradise. The Sacraments of Confession and Viaticum, were administered and they were received by her with extraordinary devotion.
It became clear that she was about die and it was at this time that the parish priest decidec to administer the Anointing of the Sick. Just as he was about to do so, Clelia suddenly turning to her mother, who was kneeling next to her bed crying many tears, and with a heavenly smile she said to her: “Why are you crying?” “Don’t worry this time the Lord doesn’t want to take me.” “He has something else for me to do first.” This brought much joy to all present and no one doubted her; everyone was certain that she had received a heavenly communication. The course of her illness immediately changed and within a few hours she out of danger of death. And then most suddenly, she was well on her way to a speedy recovery. The incident was regarded as miraculous occurence.
The Formation of the Group of Companions
Clelia’s prediction that she would not die of that illness soon became realized. Though she had recovered, she was lacking in strength due to her weak constitution from an anemic condition which she had endured her entire life. Therefore she remain home and received visits from many young girls who came to hear her speak with ardor concerning the wonderful things of Jesus. She also wrote letters to her classmates and these letters made a huge impression on the young women who received them. She urged them to detach themselves from the world and lead a life of recollection and devotion. Her aim was to make many good and brave daughters out of her several companions, and for them to withdraw from the world and live a life almost monastic. Naturally, all of this, which now demonstrated that God’s plan was ready for its execution, was not done without the intervention of the parish priest Gaetano Guidi. He was certain from his intimate knowledge that he had of Clelia’s spirit, that what she was organizing was the divine will of Jesus. He counseled them to follow their teacher, and he also assured their parents saying that it was the Lord who wanted them for His holy service and works of charity. Guidi truly guided them according to divine Will and to sanctity.
Their First Home
When Clelia was sure of the help of good companions for God’s work, she immediately turned her thoughts to finding a home for herself and the others. Clelia set her sights on a small house near the church and not far from her home. But her companions objected because the building was occupied by a teacher and his wife, who ran the municipal school there. They insisted that they search for another house for their school, but Clelia calm and serene, as if she were inspired by heaven, continued to insist that this building was going to be their first home; and she wasn’t wrong. A short time later the master’s wife died despite being in good health. And soon after, her husband withdrew from the house so that the building remained completely unoccupied. Upon inspection of the house it was seen that the house, although small and run down, was quite suitable for their purposes primarily because it was close to the parish Church. Don Giatono Guidi then asked to rent the building without saying what purpose it would serve, because he and the daughters, feared encountering opposition. But soon, not only did Clelia obtain it, but she finalized a rental contract for several years.
Opposition
In a flash, however, the news spread throughout the parish and also to neighboring communities, and it aroused an infinite number of murmurings, and criticisms. The parish, was not only soon completely in turmoil, but everyone it seemed, indignantly turned against those whom, shortly before, had been the object of their admiration.
The first to be targeted was the good parish priest. He was accused of foolishly forming a group without any guarantee of human support, and also accused of deceiving these women into sacrificing themselves under the guise of achieving religious perfection. Moreover it came to be understood that, even though his conduct was irreproachable, and also the pious young women who had always been a living examples of every virtue, this house was not a religious house consecrated to the service of God, but a house of ignominy and sin.
It was Clelia’s uncle Zeffirino Nannetti who was a doctor, stood out and became one of the leading figures in the opposition. He had an impeccable reputation and he was looked up to by many because of his distinct socal position. Therefore, he was in a good position to oppose his nieces undertaking and try to thwart it. But unfortunately for him, he was wrong. He tried to convince Clelia’s companions of the foolishness of their endeavor, but the young women were given the strength that came from Jesus, and were not moveable. The opposition suffered a defeat, but recoiled and appealed to the Prefecture of Bologna and the political authority for them to intervene. The good parish priest, Don Gaetano Guidi, had to go first to the Prefect in Bologna, and then to the Civil authorities of Persiceto, to explain what he intended to do in the house with the daughters in question. He, however, with little difficulty obtained a “no restriction” status for the opening of the house. In the evening, on his returned to the rectory, not being able to stop in for a visit at a house where the daughters were gathered in prayer, he drove by waving from the window of his car a white handkerchief signifying to them that the victory had been achieved.
Beginning of the Institute
The opposition of the institute lasted about six months, and the final victory brought the daughters not only a profound joy, but an ever greater certainty that the work had Jesus’s blessing, and the He was with them. Thus, with enthusiasm, after having fervently thanked Him they took possession of the house on May 1, 1868. Clelia Barbier was twenty-one years old at this time. On that day after having received Holy Communion, she prayed for a long time, and upon receiving guidance from above she placed her dedicated spiritual daughters under the protection of St. Francis di Paola as well as Our Holy Mother. And this is how the name of “Minime Sisters of Addolorata” for her daughters came about.
However, in order to live there, it was necessary to provide the essential furniture. The community of daughters, in agreement with their parents, went about stripping their homes of furnature and other things that seemed to unused and outdated to bring to their new home. In the early days of the institute, they got up early to attend to holy meditation, in which Clelia had truly become the instructor under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The rest of day was then sanctified with attending Holy Mass, spiritual lessons, and particular prayers, that were interspersed with their work.
From the very first days that poor little house began to be the meeting place for girls who wanted to learn catechism in preparation to receive Confirmation and First Communion. Clelia was respected as “superior” from the very beginning of the small community. The daughters, followed the Spirit that came from Above, and had not only abandoned the world, but they were united in a spirit of poverty and mortification.
As for mortification and poverty, they did not have to work very hard to encounter them, since, upon entering the house they had very little and were poor. The meager and poor food was earned with everyone’s work, carried out on the loom. Work was done during the day and partly done at night.
Clelia's wisdom, which was superior to her age, was accompanied by divine lights from Jesus. And Jesus helped Clelia write a rule for the community. The rule was so well put together, that with growth of the institute, very little had to be changed. The rule was based on poverty, chastity, and obedience, and was supported by their work, and alms spontaneously offered.
With unshakable faith and strength they entrusted themselves completely to God, because they had no doubt that the plan for that work came from Him. Clelia during her illness was given a vision where Jesus showed her that help would never be lacking. She saw a person that she did not know who would help her in her great undertaking. And she often spoke about this vision with the parish priest and with her companions, to instill in them a sense of security.
Meanwhile, however, the life of hardship and deprivation made itself felt more than ever. Clelia became apprehensive, and feared that her daughter’s health would not hold up due to the poor and meager food and excessive work. It was at this time that the daughters had to go into the fields to glean, which was to collect the few ears of corn that were missed by the reapers. It was for this reason that Clelia gave orders to everyone to begin a novena of Thirteen Fridays, in honor of their glorious protector and miracle worker St. Francis of Paola.
On the last of the Thirteen Fridays a man sent by Mr. Vincenzo Pedrazzi, showed up at the rectory of S. Maria delle Budrie, to learn the circumstances of the daughters from Don Guidi. He immediately sent three bundles of wheat which would help the daughters for a while. Clelia did not delay for an instant in showing him all the gratitude of her heart and of her spiritual daughters. She immediately wrote him a letter full of beautiful sentiments. Pedrazzi was so touched by the letter that he kept it throughout his life. He was truly the one whom God had destined to provide for the Institute, to the point of giving it security and stability. Mr. Pedrazzi, never abandoned the Institute and it can be said that he, together with the parish priest of Budrie, Don Gaetano Guidi, was the co-founder of the Institute itself.
Some extraordinary events
The sisters claimed that even before they moved into the first house of the Institute extraordinary occurances would take place. It happened often that while they were working together with her and conversing with her about the things of God, she often would suddenly put her work down, and then her face became transfigured with a look and smile of an angel. And then looking into a certain direction, she began to utter mysterious words as if she were conversing with a being who was certainly present to her. None of the daughters gathered in the room saw the one whom she was speaking to, but they experienced his presence. These celestial encounters which happened frequently instilled in her daughters a reverence and respect for Clelia.
Here are some additional recorded extraordinary events:
Francesca Parmeggiani, one of her daughters of the institute, relates that one day when she and some of the daughters were talking with Clelia about spiritual things, little by little she became completely inflamed with divine love. And then standing up while holding the Crucifix tightly in her hands, she began to speak with such inspired words that it moved all those present to tears. Then everyone in the room saw her raised from the ground enraptured in ecstasy, and then she began talking to someone by the name of Teresa Solari. It was clear that a dialogue was taking place between them like two people who communicate spiritual secrets to each other in order to be more inspired by the love of God. Don Guidi, after learning of this incident began an investigation only to discover that Teresa Solari was a director of an institute of Christian education in Genoa.
Another one of the daughters Anna Forni, reported her being raised from the ground without any support: “We were in the elementary school teacher’s house; and she and I were working together, when suddenly I saw her put the work down on her knees, and she was in ecstasy and her face became transfigured and looked as though she was about to swoon with divine love. Confused at finding myself alone in such a situation, I approach her half-trembling to see if I could help her, but then I realized that Clelia was lifted up in the air without any support.” “Then I called Sister Orsola Donati who entered to also find her suspended in the air with her eyes turned to the sky.” The occasions of her ecstasies increased as she approached her final illness. She had only to begin to pray and she would be completely removed from her senses and all exterior communication. Jesus, it seemed, wanted these ecstasies for the benefit of the order.
Anna Forni relates another incident: “I was a cook and one morning we had nothing to eat in the house. Dismayed, I presented myself to Madre Clelia with a small bottle containing a little oil. The only supply of food in the entire house. I said to her: ‘Here is what we have today: what will we do?’ She replied and said, ‘With that little oil go and empty it in the oil lamp in front of our Holy Image of San Francesco di Paola and light the lamp and trust.’ I, who had neither the virtue nor the confidence that she had, felt my blood begin to boiling and I was about to object. She, sensing my wanting to object, sweetly said ‘go and light it up.’ I went to carry out the order, and while I was lighting the lamp, I spoke to our St. Francis saying: ‘Woe to you if you don’t provide!’ A few hours passed and there was a knock on the door; I open the door; and immediately a man appears before whom we have done work for, with a large basket full of flour, bread, wine, and many other things. I asked him if this was payment for or the work we have done? He said “no” that this was charity that today I felt inspired to do for you.”
Her Last Illness and Holy Death
Seven long months had passed during which Clelia despite being under the heat of fever and very often gripped by violent hemoptysis, worked to ensure the continuation of the small Institute. All of her spiritual daughters with absolute certainty recognized her as Mother and Foundress. During this time her infection of the lungs progressed slowly and finally to the point that it was deemed necessary to administer the last Sacraments. Yet at this time she did not stop for a moment from comforting her family and others, and giving instructions for the good of her spiritual daughters.
When she received the last charisms of our holy religion, she no longer seemed to be on earth, but among the blessed regions of heaven. And although very ill, with extraordinary energy of spirit she gave everyone advice on Christian life and religious perfection with words superior to her age and education. More than ever she had become the admiration of all those who visited her as if they had been in contact with an angel from heaven.
It was at this time that she sent for her uncle Zeffirino, the medical doctor who had always and resolutely opposed his niece’s determination to withdraw from the world thereby causing her many sorrows. When he had arrived she declared to him that the life that she had been leading was her choice, because she was called by God; and that the parish priest had not persuaded her as many others thought. Although she was very content to have done God’s Will she humbly asked him for forgiveness for the displeasure that she had caused him. She did this because she wanted to leave this world in perfect peace with God and with men.
The scene was very moving. The uncle with tears in his eyes tried to utter a few words of apology, but he could not continue. No longer knowing what to say, he left in haste, saddened because he saw that his influence was no longer of any use on the angelic daughter. Lying on her bed, almost in front of the image of St. Francis of Paola, which had always been infinitely dear to her she said "Now I can die happy."
>>>>>>>Two days before her death, she very insistently begged her companions to take her to another room. They couldn’t help but fulfill her request.
And continuing happily, she predicted that that little room would soon be converted into a chapel, in which the holy Sacrifice of the Mass would be celebrated; and that her companions praying in it would be consoled.
And as he said, in fact it happened; in a completely unexpected and extraordinary way; and we will see it in detail later.
Not content with having been enrolled in the Confraternity of the B.V. del Carmine, whose image, under the title of “Madonna delle Grazie” was found in the parish church - because its sanctuary a few kilometers from Budrie was being restored - she begged the parish priest of console her by bringing her to venerate and kiss that sacred effigy, for which she had always had a special devotion, and before which she had prayed many times, and always with great consolation and profit for her soul.
The parish priest could not deny her the last consolation. Having had a small altar prepared with lit candles, in front of his bed, in the evening, in a devout procession, he had the venerable effigy transported there.
It cannot be said with what joy and affection the good daughter welcomed her; he wanted to kiss her, he held her to his breast,
while with all the effusion of his heart he recommended his soul to her.
It was truly a scene from Paradise that thrilled those who were lucky enough to be able to witness it.
It seemed that the visit of the Madonna and the ineffable outpouring of the heart with which Clelia had recommended herself to the Virgin in those supreme moments, marked the end of that life of piety and devotion.
A few hours later, in fact, the sick woman entered into agony, falling into such a deep drowsiness that she foreshadowed the near sleep of death.
But the good God, who wanted her to Himself absorbed in an ecstasy of love, which remembered the very sweet moments in which she had lost herself in Him so many times throughout her life, arranged, to the great amazement of everyone, that she suddenly awaken , so completely as if he were not on the brink of the grave.
He then resumed speaking, exhorting everyone, as he usually did during his life, to fear and love God, who deserves all our love.
She then fell asleep again, but not in such a way that she did not understand what was being suggested to her, or was unable to kiss the images of Jesus and Mary, pouring herself out as it seemed from the slight movement of her lips and the very tender expression of her eyes in very sweet acts of abandonment in their holy hands.
He had another moment of disturbance: perhaps it was an attack from the tempter who saw that he had no time to lay traps against that soul entirely of God.
But he soon returned to a calm so sweet that it seemed like heaven.
Her mother, sister and Orsola Donati were close to her, to whom she had already entrusted the office of superior and whose hand she held tightly.
The other sisters all stood around the room, oppressed by an unspeakable but resigned pain.
They all thought that the good Clelia was exchanging the land of exile for the homeland of heaven, where she would remember them, protecting them more effectively than if she had remained among them.
To confirm this intimate feeling, the dying woman, regaining all her strength, said clearly:
« Be of good cheer; because I’m going to Heaven; however, I will always be with you equally; and I will never abandon you! ».
Oh! how all those sweet words remained engraved deep in the heart!
They seemed to mean a happy promise; because Clelia, when she promised, never failed to do so!
She recommended her mother, sister and all her companions to the parish priest who assisted her; and, having given her mother, her sister, and Orsola Donati an unforgettable farewell kiss, and a look of ineffable love to her other companions, with a very sweet and placid smile she died in a holy manner.
It was July 13, 1870.
He was 23 years, 4 months and 28 days old.
At her death they all said: “A saint has died! ». And the voice was repeated outside; and became common to Bu-
drie and in the surrounding parishes.
Who wouldn’t want to die this way?
It truly, like that of the saints, appears precious in the presence of the Lord (Ps. 115, 5) and makes one exclaim with the Scripture:
« May I die the death of the just and may my end be similar to his! » ‘
(Num. 23, 10).
The virginal body composed on her deathbed immediately appeared with an angelic beauty as if surrounded by a halo of paradise.
The whole town and many people from the neighboring towns ran
to see her and pray at her side.
But no one seemed to be able to pray for her.
Rather, they recommended her intercession and all repeated: “She is truly a saint!” ».
From that visit there were wonderful conversion effects in many souls, including ten young girls; seven of whom soon entered the Congregation of the Minims of Addolorata.
Teresa Girotti stood out for the impetus of her conversion, known until then for her liveliness, her verve, her ambition.
He decided on that. vision of abandoning the world and consecrating oneself to God in the Institute of the deceased.
Indeed, he was to enter on the day of the Immaculate Conception of that same year, with Rosalia Garagnani and Carmela Donati; but struck by a very severe smallpox, while her companions were entering the Institute, on the very day of the Immaculate Conception she took off into heaven to meet Clelia, who had called her to God on earth, so effectively.
Clelia’s funeral, in its modest simplicity, was a triumph: the entire Budrie parish, a large number of clergy, and many faithful from nearby parishes took part.
It seemed that, driven by an irrepressible inner feeling, everyone wanted to accompany the body of her, who during her life had sought only one thing: - to hide for Christ from everyone’s eyes! Thus the words of Jesus came true once again:
« He who humbles himself will be exalted! » - prelude perhaps to greater exaltation, since God is always admirable in his saints!
In the cemetery, to remember the holy virgin kidnapped so soon after the corruption of the world, the following inscription was placed:
« Here rest - the virginal remains - of - CLELIA BARBIERI - admired from childhood - for her retreat, modesty, charity - and for the gift of attracting souls to God - elected with three companions - community of poor and holy life - she began the family of the Minims of Our Lady of Sorrows - he gave her rules and spirit - and two years later - she passed happily to her celestial Spouse - on the 13th of July MDCCCLXX of the years XXIII, months V”.
Hovers in these simple words the spirit of Don Gaetano Guidi who in them - as he had intimately known and formed her - thus wanted the good Clelia sculpted; in exemplary memory of his future daughters who, detached from everything, hidden from everyone, everyone must strive to draw to God, in holy simplicity.