Blessed Mother Enrichetta

Enrichetta Dominici, born Caterina, came into the world on 10 October 1829 at Borgo Salsasio Carmagnola (TO). Her early childhood was serene, filled with family affection, but in 1833 her father abandoned the family. They moved in with her uncle, a parish priest, and these painful experiences deeply marked her youth. Instead of closing in on herself, Caterina chose to embrace life with hope, directing her heart to God—whom she tenderly called her Good Daddy—and turning to Him with trust and confidence.

Caterina had a strong and independent temperament, yet she was also tender and sensitive. From a young age she engaged in an inner struggle with her nature, allowing God to shape her character little by little. Over time she grew into a humble, simple, open and docile soul, ready to follow the promptings of grace. She learned to say her daily “yes” to the Lord, transforming the ordinariness of life into heroic virtue.

At 21 years of age, she entered the Institute of the Sisters of St. Ann and was personally received by the Foundress. On 26 July 1851, she was clothed in the religious habit and given the name Sister Mary Enrichetta. Wherever she was assigned, she lived a life of continual self-offering to the Father. She believed deeply in the value of fidelity to small things, often saying:

“Small actions accomplished with great love are worth more than heroic actions done with human interests.”