Introduction

«And a great and strong wind rent the mountains and shattered the rocks - but the Lord was not in the wind. There was a fire - but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the soft whisper of a voice. And the Lord was in that soft whisper». (see t King 19, 11 13)

Marianna Sala's saintliness makes us think of that calm and low voice, in which God was present.

In order to reach great heights to soar free and joyous to the peaks of the spirit, we must, first of all, sink to the lowest depths of humility and live trusting in God, who can accomplish everything: this is the message that Marianna Sala conveyed all through her life: a hymn to God, a continuous prayer, while becoming more and more absorbed in the mystery of Jesus Christ, who knew the humility of the sepulchre; a confident progress of faith clearly knowing she was loved by God, white alt her being was possessed by Love and was singing to Love.

Sister Marianna Sala dedicated herself totally to the observance of the Rules of her Congregation and to apostolic work, with an incomparable spirit of sacrifice. She was a very humble and retiring person, but God had endowed her with such remarkable intellect that she was quickly recognized as a teacher of outstanding value, who gave to her pupils not only formal education and this in an age when women kept away from learning - but also wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

Without ostentation she worked quietly and wisely for the promotion of women to give them adequate learning and piety based on sound theological knowledge.

Among her pupils was Giuditta Alghisi, later Mrs Montini, the mother of Pope Paul VI. Thus we recognize the profound influence for good that learned and saintly teachers have on our society.

Card. Pietro Palazzini