Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa

- Foundress of the Redemptoristine Nuns

Feast day: September 11

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“Live as though I, not you, lived in yourself.”

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These words to Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa from Jesus sum up the meaning of being a living memory of Christ. From her earliest memories she was aware of her special relationship with Jesus.

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Giulia Crostarosa (later to be known as Maria Celeste) was born the 10th of 12 children in 1696 in the Kingdom of Naples. She was the darling of the family: bright, high-spirited, intelligent, the leader of the brood. But what depths hid beneath the surface: a burning love, humble piety, a pure heart.

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Giulia gave her heart to her Beloved when He said, “Do not love any creature; love only Me. Imitate My life and unite whatever you do with the works of My life.”