Sister Maria Bertilla

I was born in Acquaviva Platani (CL), on 18 January 1946.

I received Baptism just five days later, on 23 January 1946, made my First Holy Communion at the age of seven in 1953, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the age of eight, on 21 September 1954.

I entered the Congregation on 12 August 1961, received the religious habit on 26 August 1962, made my Temporary Profession on 28 August 1964, and my Perpetual Profession on 29 August 1971.

The communities I have lived in include: the Motherhouse in Caltanissetta (during my formation years and while I studied for my diploma), Herlies (France), Gravina di Puglia, the Umberto I Institute – Caltanissetta, the Padre Angelico Lipani School – Rome, and the Generalate – Rome.

While I was based in Caltanissetta, during the summer months I would be sent to nearby fraternities to cover for sisters who needed to attend Spiritual Retreats or spend a few days with their families. On those occasions, I served once in Sommatino, once in Bompensiere, and three times in Santa Caterina Villarmosa.

In 1970, I earned my Teacher Training Diploma and from that year until 1993, I taught in Primary School.
It wasn’t always easy, I encountered many challenges, but with the Lord’s help and my own constant commitment, I managed to carry out my duties well.

During the General Chapter of August 1990, I was elected General Secretary, and since then I have done my best to collaborate with the various Superiors General and Vicars General.
I have made every effort to remain available to assist the sisters at the Generalate and in the other Fraternities with their various needs, be they health-related, administrative, or otherwise.

Over the course of my life, I have done nothing extraordinary; I have simply tried to fulfil God’s will as expressed through my Superiors, and to act always in accordance with the voice of my conscience.