Anna Maria Rubatto was an Italian Roman Catholic nun who lived from 1844 to 1904. Born in Carmagnola, she eventually moved to Turin and later to Montevideo, Uruguay, where she spent much of her life. She is best known for establishing the Capuchin Sisters of Mother Rubatto, an order dedicated to service. After a life of religious devotion and social work, she was canonized by Pope Francis in 2022, following the recognition of miracles attributed to her intercession.
Life and vocation
After losing her father at a young age, Rubatto chose a religious path over marriage. While living in Turin, she worked alongside Marianna Scoffone to teach catechism and assist the impoverished. Following a chance encounter with an injured worker, she joined a group of sisters, taking the name Maria Francesca of Jesus. She served as the superior of the Capuchin Sisters of Mother Rubatto and expanded their mission to South America.
Veneration
Her path to sainthood included being named a Servant of God in 1965 and later declared Venerable in 1988. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1993, making her the first person from Uruguay to receive this honor. After a second miracle was verified, Pope Francis approved her canonization in 2020, with the final celebration occurring in May 2022. Her feast day is observed on 6 August.