Scopelli, Giovanna

Giovanna Skopelli was born in Reggio Emilia in 1428 in a large family of Simon and Catherine Skopelli. Even in childhood, a vocation for monasticism was awakened in her, but her parents refused to bless her daughter, allowing her only to become a tertiary carmelite . Giovanna obeyed. She led a pious life, remaining in the world. Soon after the death of her parents, Giovanna founded the Carmelite community in her home, which lasted from 1480 to 1484.

In 1485, Bishop Philip Dzobolli assigned to this community the church of St. Bernard, which was once under the jurisdiction of humiliates . The new community was transformed into a monastery (Santa Maria del Popolo) and was included in the Mantua Carmelite Congregation . Since 1487, the nuns were entrusted with the spiritual leadership of priests from this congregation. Giovanna was elected abbess of the monastery. According to legend, miracles happened according to the prayers of Giovanna Skopelli.

Giovanna Skopelli died on July 9, 1491 at a monastery in Reggio Emilia in Italy .

The veneration of Giovanna Skopelli began immediately after her death. A year after her repose, her relics were gained. In 1500, the process of beatification of Giovanna began, which ended in 1767 - 1770. On August 24, 1771, Pope Clement XIV ranked her blessed.

After the monastery was closed in 1797, the relics of Giovanna were transferred to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Reggio Emilia.

The liturgical memory is celebrated on July 9th .

Eleanor Girlani

• Giovanna Scopelli on Carmelosicilia.it (Italian)
• Giovanna Scopelli at Monastercarpineto.it (Italian)
• Giovanna Scopelli on Carmelitaniroma.it (Italian)
• Giovanna Skopelli on Ilcarmelo.it (Italian)
• Giovanna Scopelli on the website of the Tertiary Order of the Carmelites