Venerable Anita Cantieri

Anita Cantieri (March 30, 1910, Lucca, Italy – August 24, 1942, Lucca) was an Italian laywoman and a member of the Third Order of Carmel (taking the name Thérèse of the Child Jesus). Wishing to become a nun, she entered the Carmelite convent in Florence at the age of 20. However, after one year, she fell ill and had to leave the convent for treatment. As her illness progressed and it became clear she would never be able to return to the convent, Anita joined the Third Order of Carmel in 1935. Involved in the pastoral activities of her parish and Catholic Action, she continued her commitments and evangelization efforts from her room, where she was soon confined. Always smiling and joyful, she endured the illness that worsened and caused her increasing suffering. Considered a saint by many, her cause for beatification was opened in 1954, and Pope John Paul II declared her venerable in 1991.