On 30 January, 2025, at the hospital in Lugo, our beloved Mother Corrada Magnani completed her earthly pilgrimage and was called to her Father’s house. For the last few months, she had been lovingly cared for in the infirmary of the Mother house due to increasing physical frailty and progressive memory loss. Although she was not suffering from a severe illness, her health had gradually declined over time.
At 3 a.m. on 26 January, Sr. Camilla, the nurse on the night shift, checked on Mother Corrada and confirmed that she was in stable condition. However, in the morning, upon returning to her room, she found Mother Corrada in a deep coma, caused by a massive stroke. She was urgently shifted to the hospital, where the doctors confirmed the gravity of the situation, informing us that, unfortunately, the chances of recovery were very narrow.
It was with deep sorrow, but with unwavering faith, we accompanied Mother Corrada as she peacefully entrusted her soul to the merciful embrace of the heavenly Father in the early afternoon of 30 January. Her life, characterized by fidelity to her vocation and total self-giving, remains a shining testimony of love and dedication. As we remember her with affection and gratitude, we echo the words of Mary: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Lk 1:49).
Mother Corrada, originally named Virginia Magnani, was born on 24 November, 1938, at Cesenatico, in a family profoundly grounded in Christian values. From an early age, she experienced a clear calling from the Lord. Moved by a deep and sincere desire to consecrate her life to Him, she responded to His invitation with both joy and unwavering determination. On 5 June, 1960, she entered our Congregation and made the temporary profession in 1963 and the perpetual profession in 1968.
Her life of consecration was marked by tireless and generous service, carried out with unwavering fidelity and profound dedication in each community she was called to serve. In Italy, she contributed her service in the communities of Fabiano Basso, Sarsina, Rome, Gambettola, and Lodé (Sardegna). Throughout her time in these communities, she consistently distinguished herself for her exceptional ability to welcome and assist those in need with genuine warmth, kindness, and a spirit of availability. Her support, both spiritual and material, reflected not only a sense of duty but also an authentic embodiment of Christian charity and an evangelical spirit.
In 1977, Mother Teresina Carniani, then Superior General, entrusted her with a mission that was both demanding and courageous: to go to India, a land entirely different in culture, language, and traditions. Mother Corrada embraced this calling with a spirit of obedience and complete trust in the will of the Lord, aware of the challenges but ready to give herself without reservations.
She left Italy with an open heart towards the new mission, facing with confidence the challenges related to the climate, food, and lifestyle. Her deep faith and love for the mission enabled her to overcome every obstacle with serenity and determination. With a spirit of sacrifice and great adaptability, she humbly integrated into the new reality, transforming her encounter with the local population into an experience of mutual enrichment and authentic evangelical service.
Throughout the 27 years she spent in India, Mother Corrada devoted herself wholeheartedly to the growth and expansion of the Congregation, working tirelessly to foster its Charism. With immense passion and fervor, she played a pivotal role in the emergence of new vocations, establishing herself as a steadfast and reliable point of reference for the young women in formation. Many non-Italian sisters, including myself, had the privilege of being received and guided by her during the early stages of their religious life. With the patience, understanding, and sensitivity of a mother's heart, Mother Corrada provided unwavering support, wise counsel, encouragement, and necessary corrections, enriching each one through her affectionate and nurturing guidance. Her presence left a profound and lasting impact on their personal and spiritual growth.
During these years, Mother Corrada played a crucial role in the establishment of numerous communities and educational institutions, always supported by the ongoing assistance of the Congregation in Italy. Her steadfast determination and spirit of sacrifice enabled her to overcome the daily challenges she encountered, including arduous journeys on overcrowded trains and long walks along rugged roads, often further impeded by rainwater and mud. Despite these logistical and material difficulties, her unwavering commitment to the mission and profound love for the poor sustained her, never allowing her to lose hope.
Wherever she went, Mother Corrada distinguished herself for her humility and simplicity, qualities that allowed her to communicate universally through the language of love. She was able to break down any barrier, winning the hearts of everyone she encountered. Anyone who approached her, even in times of great difficulty, never left empty-handed, as Mother Corrada was always ready to offer whatever she could, both in terms of material and spiritual support.
Her profound love for the missions transcended the borders of India, exemplifying her unwavering commitment. Mother Corrada played a pivotal role in establishing communities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Africa, carrying forth our Charism and spirituality. In the Philippines, she warmly embraced the first vocations with joy and confidence, laying a strong foundation for both spiritual and educational growth, and leaving a lasting impact on the people. Her steadfast dedication was instrumental in the formation of the Philippine Delegation.
In Africa, her far-sighted vision and profound commitment had an equally significant impact. In Tanzania and Kenya, she played a crucial role in establishing communities that laid the foundation for the creation of the General Delegation of Africa. Through her presence and exemplary leadership, Mother Corrada continued to sow hope, faith, and love, enriching communities and fostering a deep sharing of Salesian spirituality.
Beyond her tireless missionary work, Mother Corrada was distinguished by the depth of her spiritual life. With unwavering fidelity, she dedicated herself to personal prayer and moments of intimate communion with the Lord. She spent long hours before the Blessed Sacrament, drawing peace and serenity from the silence and Christ’s real presence. Her rich and profound interior life was an inexhaustible wellspring of strength, wisdom, and inspiration, from which she derived the grace and energy to fulfill her mission.
As Superior General from 2003 to 2015, Mother Corrada guided the Congregation with a profound sense of mission, marked by practical wisdom, unwavering determination, and deep love. She drew inspiration from the words of the Founder: "Charity must reign as queen in your communities; you must be women inflamed with love and zeal for souls." She embodied these principles, imparting to others the importance of living each day in God’s love, through prayer and selfless service.
The passing of Mother Corrada represents the significant loss of a saintly religious, a dedicated missionary, a compassionate mother, and a bold visionary leader. Her unique qualities were rooted in her profound humanity, her cheering smile, her deep empathy for others' struggles, her simplicity, and the inner peace she radiated. Her life remains an enduring example of how to live a vocation with integrity, joy, and love.
Our grief is certainly immense at the death of our beloved Mother Corrada, but we are sure that her example and spirit will live on in our hearts. Her memory will be forever a source of strength and inspiration, a beacon on our path. We pray that she will be welcomed into the eternal kingdom, where she will experience everlasting joy and peace and will continue to intercede for each of us. May her prayers, from that place of serenity, sustain us always, guiding us with the same love and dedication that she faithfully embodied.
Indeed, with the confidence of St. Paul, Mother Corrada can now say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim 4:7).
Mother Phina Kuruvilla