Beatification of Servant of God Elisa Martinez: Annunciation of the Blessed Word in Santa Maria dei Fenibus Terre

Annunciation of the Blessed Word, June 25, 2023, in the small basilica of “Santa Maria dei Fenibus Terre” in Santa Maria dei Levuca, Puglia, southeastern Italy.

Joey Kariveli, Vatican City

Servant of God Elisa Martinez will be beatified on Sunday, June 25.

The blessed announcement of the Servant of God Elisa Martinez, the founder of the Sisters of the Holy Mary of Levuca, will be in the small basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae in the Puglia region of southeastern Italy.

Representing Pope Francis, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, President of the Congregation for the Canonization of Saints, will officiate at the beatification ceremony.

Servant of God Elisa Martinez, who devoted her life to the children and the helpless, repeating “Everything is God’s work, not mine”, was born on March 25, 1905 in Galatina, Lecce Province, Southern Italy. She joined the sannyasine community in the name of Natha of the Upavi of the Good Shepherd and took the monastic garb on 29 September 1928. Taking the name Luchiya, she had to return home due to ill health.

But then on March 25, 1938, Elisa Martínez, with the help of priest Luigi, the parish priest of Mizzano, and Giuseppe Ruotolo, bishop of the Diocese of Ugento, started a religious organization of women. It was called the Bhakta Alliance of the Sisters of Amalotbhava. On August 15, 1941, it received diocesan approval and changed its name to Sisters, Daughters of Mary of Levuka. God’s servant Elisa died on February 8, 1991 in Rome after facing many negative associations and accusations.

Who will be presiding over the beatification ceremony of Servant of God Elisa Martinez

Joey Kariveli, Vatican City

Exciting News: Servant of God Elisa Martinez to be Beatified in Puglia, Italy

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 25, because something truly miraculous is about to happen. The incredible life and work of Servant of God Elisa Martinez, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Mary of Levuca, will be celebrated and honored in a beatification ceremony at the small basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae in the picturesque region of Puglia, southeastern Italy.

Heading the ceremony on behalf of Pope Francis himself, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, President of the Congregation for the Canonization of Saints, will preside over this momentous occasion.

Servant of God Elisa Martinez dedicated her entire life to selflessly serving children and those in need, always acknowledging, “Everything is God’s work, not mine.” Born on March 25, 1905, in Galatina, Lecce Province, Southern Italy, she found her calling within the sannyasine community under the name Natha of the Upavi of the Good Shepherd. On September 29, 1928, she embraced monastic life but had to return home due to health issues.

However, fate had bigger plans for her. On March 25, 1938, with the support of priest Luigi and Bishop Giuseppe Ruotolo, Elisa Martinez established a religious organization for women. Originally named the Bhakta Alliance of the Sisters of Amalotbhava, it received diocesan approval on August 15, 1941, and later became known as the Sisters, Daughters of Mary of Levuka. Despite facing numerous challenges and unfounded allegations, Elisa Martinez, God’s faithful servant, continued to persevere in her mission until her passing on February 8, 1991, in Rome.

This beatification ceremony is not only a celebration of Servant of God Elisa Martinez’s remarkable journey but also a testament to her profound impact on countless lives. Join us as we pay tribute to her unwavering devotion and honor her incredible legacy during this momentous event in Santa Maria dei Levuca, Puglia, Italy.