THE ENVIRONMENT IN
WHICH THERESA
GABRIELI WAS BORN
AND LIVED
1837 - 1908

Theresa was born in
Bergamo, on
September 13th,
1837, seventh
of the nine children
of Gabrieli house.

Her family was a
modest one, that
lived on the products
of the vegetable
gardens, sold at the
Retail Trade.
On January 31st, 1869

Angela Maria marries
Pietro Spini

Elisabetta marries
Francesco Monetti
Her father falls ill
and has a dream…
… if the Lord should
want something from her.
… sell the cow, take
Theresa to the College and
make her study.

Her father, very beloved and reputed, dies in
1852.

On November 24th, 1854, Theresa receives
the diploma of teacher of higher degree.
On April 4th, 1861,
Monsignor Speranza launches
an appeal to “check the evil
that threatens the youth”.
On October 28th, 1861,
Theresa moves into some
rooms rented in Via Osio, 24
and opens a private school
with her name.

On July 17th, 1863,
Theresa sees her
dear mother die.

September 1866: Theresa is in the Pious Work
as “caretaker” and on February 9th, 1868 is
chosen as “vice-superior”.

November 1868,
the gift:
MOLGORI.
May 22nd, 1869:
the OFFER.
So Theresa is the first one
of Poverelle Sisters
she is left alone until November
21st of the same year, when
Giuditta Broletti, “the companion
that God has given me”, joins her.

On March 1st, 1870,
another companion joined
Theresa and Giuditta:
Maria Flutti “poor woman in
dowry but full of virtue”.

On May 22nd, 1870,
the opening of the
house is
commemorated: the
sisters get up at one
hour after midnight. In
this day Father
Superior delivers the
crown.

December 8th, 1870:
Caterina Broletti is
accepted.

On October 15th,
1871, Marietta
Peverelli joins the
small Community.
1872:



Irene Testa
August 15th Teresa Rovelli
October 15th Assunta
Gabrieli
April 2nd
1874:
 Vanali Angela
 Luigia Parolini
 Elisa Lironi

On October 9th, 1874,
“The Poverelle Sisters of S. Dorothy went into
their new convent. Some oil was eaten and
some penitence was imposed about until
midday. It was day of exultation”.

May 12th, 1886:
“A very fine news … yesterday at
half past 2 in the afternoon our
right Reverend Monsignor the
Bishop took us the decree of the
approval of our rules and of our
Institute. What a feast... what a
consolation…”.
On June 15th, 1886, father Luis serenely
passes away, when he is only 58 years old.


the Congregation is 17 years old, it
has 12 communities and 47 sisters
(15 have already died in the
meantime);
an uncertain group of Brothers of
the H. Family and many mouths to
feed, with resources often running
out.
Mother Theresa, disconsolate but
also strong and fearless, throws
herself into the arms of the Father
who “knows that we have here the
most miserable …”.
February 6th, 1908:
Theresa concludes her earthly experience.
The Congregation
has 33 communities and 217 sisters.