Mother Fernanda Riva, Missionary of Joy
Joy is a gift we received alongside the Canossian charisma… surely joy is a gift for all Christians. The Venerable M. Fernanda is known as “the missionary of joy”, since she knew to live this trait of ours to the fullest.
Great teacher, humble and tireless spirit, lived the dream of St. Magdalena doing “knowing and loving Jesus” mainly at school.
She was director of Canossiana University San Jose, in India from where she also lived another of the great Canossian features: the promotion of women. She is remembered for her great humility, her joy and openness to listening and availability.
In suffering, she kept serenity and joy, strengthened in prayer passed away on January 22, 1956, in India.
Pope Benedict XVI issues the decree declaring it Venerable on June 28, 2012. Let’s pray together so that we can quickly summon her as the “Beata, Missionary of Joy”.
“Santísima and Inefable Trinidad, we thank you for the wonders you have worked in the heart of your servant, the Venerable Mother Fernanda Riva, who with her life has happily sung your infinite glory. Give us, for your intercession, the thanks that we beg with great confidence. Amen.”