Gozitan nun proclaimed venerable by Pope Francis

Virginia De Brincat, founder of the Franciscans Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was today proclaimed venerable by Pope Francis.

Born in Kercem, Gozo on 28 November 1862, De Brincat was baptised at St George's parish church in Victoria, where she later founded her new religious congregation.

The congregation was founded in 1880 in Gozo, through the joint effort of Fr Joseph Diacono and Mother Margherita De Brincat.

This congregation had its origins in the Association of the Twelve Stars of the Heart of Jesus, initiated in Victoria by a group of young girls whose spiritual director was Fr Joseph Diacono.

The Franciscans Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are present in a number of countries, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Italy, the UK and Australia.

De Brincat died in Victoria, Gozo on 22 January 1952.