Maria Laura Mainetti was an Italian religious sister belonging to the Sisters of the Cross. Born in 1939 in Villatico, she dedicated her life to service and eventually served as a mother superior in Chiavenna. She was known for her work assisting juvenile delinquents. Her life ended tragically in June 2000, when she was murdered by three teenage girls. Following her death, she was recognized for her faith and sacrifice, leading to her formal recognition within the Catholic Church.
Life and death
Mainetti spent her religious life serving others, specifically focusing on the guidance of young people in trouble. While serving as mother superior in Chiavenna, she was killed on June 6, 2000, after sustaining multiple stab wounds inflicted by three girls. This violent end occurred while she was performing her duties as a member of the Sisters of the Cross.
Veneration
The Catholic Church has recognized her as a martyr, a status declared in 2020. She was subsequently beatified on June 6, 2021. Today, her remains are kept in the Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence. Her feast day is observed annually on June 6, marking the anniversary of her death.