Catherine Volpicelli (1839–1894)

Biography

Founder of the Servants of the Sacred Heart, Catalina Volpicelli promoted in Naples a Eucharistic spirituality capable of responding to the social needs of her time. Educated in a wealthy environment, she left worldly life after discerning a call to holiness in the midst of society. Fragile health prevented her from remaining in the cloister, so she gathered consecrated and lay women to worship Jesus and serve the poor and sick. He promoted associations, catechism and works of charity, showing that contemplation of the Heart of Christ had to become concrete apostolic action.