Our beloved Sr. Mariangela Cevoli passed away just a few months before her 90th birthday, which she would have celebrated on 11 September 2025
Those who had the joy of knowing her will surely remember her ever-smiling face, her ready sense of humor, and her contagious enthusiasm. Yet above all, it was her life and example that bore witness to that “truly apostolic zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls” - the very spirit that our Founder, the Venerable Don Carlo Cavina, wanted for us, the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, in the Rule of Life.
A native of Rimini, Sr. Mariangela began her journey of following Christ when she entered our Congregation at the Motherhouse in Lugo in November 1957. The following year, she entered the novitiate in the beautiful convent of San Cerbone, in the province of Lucca, where two years later she professed her religious vows. Just a few weeks afterward, she was assigned to teach at the kindergarten in Bubano, and from that point onward, she spent almost all her life to the field of education - living in daily contact with children through her service in kindergartens, boarding schools, and educational communities.
After four years, she was transferred to the Cozzani Institute in Fabiano, which included a kindergarten and a large boarding school for boys. Initially assigned as a kindergarten teacher, she was soon called to take on greater responsibilities when a fellow sister fell ill and could no longer care for a group of boys in the boarding school. Sr. Mariangela stepped in without hesitation, lovingly looking after the children entrusted to her. She remained at Fabiano for 24 years, also serving as the directress of the institute.
It was there, in 1976, that I met Sr. Mariangela during the apostolic experience of my second year novitiate. She was part of the local community. What struck me most - beyond her joyful and playful nature - was her ability to live each day as both Martha and Mary: tirelessly dedicated to her duties, with the heart of a mother, attentive to the slightest signs of tiredness or illness on the children's faces, always ready to console those little ones, many of whom carried painful family stories. At the same time, she lived with her mind and heart turned toward God and Our Lady, for whom she held a deep and constant devotion.
Her apostolic fervor often inspired her to launch spiritual initiatives aimed at nurturing the faith of both children and adults. It was during those years that she created the “Rosarianti” movement, involving children not only from Fabiano but from the entire diocese in praying the daily Rosary. She would invite them to special gatherings and organize an annual pilgrimage to a nearby Marian shrine at the close of each pastoral year.
Sr. Mariangela was a passionate promoter of the Apostleship of Prayer. She not only lived its spirituality but actively shared it; organizing groups of collaborators in every community she served. She never missed the annual conferences and constantly fostered moments of formation and prayer for others.
After 24 years in Liguria, she was sent as secretary and bursar to our school in Rome. Her love for nature, especially birds, endeared her to students and families alike. She even kept a small birdcage in her office with a bright yellow songbird - a detail that earned her the affectionate nickname "the sister with the little bird.”
After three years in Rome, she was transferred to Lugo. Her first year there was a period of observation and familiarization with the responsibilities of the large Motherhouse - and the following year, she was appointed superior for a six-year term. She deserves much credit for having made better known to the people of Lugo the figure of our great patron, St. Francis de Sales. Each year on his feast day, 24 January, she invited the local community to join the Eucharistic celebration and organized a simple reception afterward. She also helped people understand the true name of our Congregation. In Lugo, we had always been called “the Sisters of St. Joseph,” a name tied to the title of our Motherhouse. But thanks to her initiative, many finally came to know that we are, in fact, the “Daughters of St. Francis de Sales”!
The sudden and unexpected passing of the general bursar - who also managed the finances of the Motherhouse - was a painful blow to Sr. Mariangela. Not only did she suffer the loss of her fellow sister, but she also had to take on the heavy responsibility of managing the community’s finances. The following year, she was sent to look after the Prayer House in Tossignano, a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by nature - which she loved so much - where she remained for nearly three years.
After this brief period, she returned once more to her first love: caring for children. This time, she was sent to the Maria Immacolata educational community in Massa Lombarda, which welcomes children and teenagers temporarily removed from difficult family environments. There, too, her work was not only a service to the institute but a gift to the local Church and wider community. One of her many talents was organizing pilgrimages and outings that combined spiritual growth with joyful recreation not only for those connected with the Apostleship of Prayer but also for the sisters of the Motherhouse and neighboring communities, who always welcomed her initiatives with enthusiasm.
In 2011, Sr. Mariangela returned to the Motherhouse once again. She was always ready to help wherever needed, but above all, she devoted herself lovingly to care for the elderly and ill sisters. On Saturday, 12 July 2025 the Lord called her for the eternal reward - a Saturday, traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, whom she so dearly loved.
In a handwritten note she titled “The milestones of my religious life,” Sr. Mariangela wrote these moving words:
“Here, at the Motherhouse, my journey began - my religious life. And here, when the Lord Jesus in His infinite goodness and mercy wills it, I shall end my days. I entrust myself to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, so that I too may one day echo the words of St. Paul: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Sr. Mariapaola Campanella