Anna Maria was born on Saint Valentine’s Day in 1844 in Carmagnola, Italy. She was the only child and at the age of 4, her father died. As a teenager, she received an offer for what would have been a comfortable marriage to a local notary, but she turned him down. As a child, she had made a vow of virginity and was determined to keep it.

Her mother passed away when she was 19 and all alone, she moved about 18 miles south to the city of Turin. She befriended a noblewoman named Marianna Scoffone, who recognized the girl’s goodness and soon became her patroness. Although Anna Maria had received little formal education, she was intellectually gifted, and with the support of Marianna, began to teach Catechism to the children in the local parishes. She also visited and tended to the sick in Cottolengo Hospital.

After 19 years, Marianna passed away.

Anna Maria had gone on vacation to the seaside town of Loano. One day, after leaving the church, she was startled by a cry from a nearby convent that was under construction. A young worker had been injured and with her experience, she tended to him. She also gave him 2 days pay so that he could rest and heal. The religious sisters who were to live in the building, were seeking a spiritual guide and leader and saw the incident as a sign. The priest of her church, and Saint John Bosco, who she knew through her catechetical work in Turin, convinced her to enter their community. At the age of 39 she joined and took the name Sister Maria Francesca of Jesus. With her experience in managing her Patroness’ estate for so many years, the local bishop saw her talents and abilities, and soon made her the superior of the Order, Institute of the Capuchin Sisters of Mother Rubatto.

Under her leadership, the congregation grew, both in Italy and the New World. In 1892, they established a mission in Montevideo, Uruguay, as well as in Argentina and deep within the rain forests of Brazil. In all, Mother Rubatto crossed the Atlantic 7 times in order to support her sisters in both Europe and South America and was responsible for opening 18 Capuchin houses in 20 years. They now also serve Peru, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopa, and Eritrea.

She died of natural causes in Uruguay in 1904. In her final will and testament, she expressed her wish to be buried “in the midst of her dear poor ones” in Montevideo where she is placed.

She was canonized on May 15, 2022.

Her feast day is August 6.

For God’s Glory.