Blessed Maria Ludovica De Angelis

Maria Ludovica De Angelis (born Antonina De Angelis, 24 October 1880 – 25 February 1962) was an Italian religious sister of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, established by Maria Giuseppa Rossello. Upon investiture into the congregation, she assumed the religious name Maria Ludovica. She initially served in Italy, but moved to Argentina where she devoted her time to children and the children's hospital in La Plata. She died there in 1962. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 2004. Antonina De Angelis was born in San Gregorio, Italy on 24 October 1880 as the first of eight children and was baptized on the date of her birth. As a child, De Angelis enjoyed nature and she worked daily in the fields near her home. Somewhat reserved, she decided to pursue a religious vocation. She entered the congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy on 17 November 1904 and received the religious name Maria Ludovica. On 14 November 1907, she left Italy for Buenos Aires, traveling by boat and arriving on 4 December. She was assigned in 1908 to work as the manager of the kitchen, linens and pantry for the children's hospital of La Plata (now known as Sor María Ludovica Hospital de Niños), When she arrived at the hospital, it had only 60 beds and two wooden chambers. De Angelis was later made the supervisor and head administrator of the children's hospital. She focused on expanding services for the children, securing funds to build additional patient and operating rooms, acquire medical equipment, and construct a convalescent center. She also was instrumental in the building of a chapel and creation of a farm to provide fresh produce for the children of the hospital. She was also instrumental in securing a grant from the Municipality of La Plata to maintain the hospital, which guaranteed its longevity. After her death, the city took over the administration of the facility. De Angelis died in 1962 in La Plata.