Maria Anna Donati was an Italian nun born in 1848 who founded the Calasanzian Sisters in Florence. After being delayed in her religious vocation by her father, she eventually entered the religious life in 1889 under the guidance of Celestino Zini. Upon her profession, she adopted the name Celestina of the Mother of God. Her congregation focused on providing education to underprivileged children, including those of prisoners and orphans, following the teachings of Joseph Calasanz.
Life and work
Donati's path to religious life was complicated by her father's reluctance to let her join a convent. Following her mother's death, she eventually established her congregation in 1889. The order, which received papal approval in 1911, dedicated itself to teaching the poor. After the death of her mentor, Zini, she took leadership of the sisters to continue their mission of serving abandoned children.
Veneration
She was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1998. Following the recognition of a miracle, she was beatified in Florence on 30 March 2008. The ceremony was led by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI. Her feast day is observed on 18 March.