St. Raffaella of the Sacred Heart, Virgin, Foundress of the Ancelle of the Sacred Heart

St. Raffaella of the Sacred Heart (1850-1931) was an Italian Roman Catholic virgin and the foundress of the Ancelle of the Sacred Heart religious congregation. Born in Ferrara, she dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick, and established her order to continue this mission. Raffaella was known for her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her tireless charitable works. She was beatified in 1993 and canonized in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. St. Raffaella is the patron saint of the Ancelle of the Sacred Heart and is venerated for her compassion and service to those in need.