Brigida was born in the little sea-side town of Rapallo, which was part of the noble city of Genova Rappallo. Her parents were Nicolo Morello and Lavinia Borzene, both noted for their goodness, prudence, and ability to govern their family well. They enjoyed the respect and esteem of the townspeople and had good financial standing, though they later faced hardship due to misfortune.
The couple had eleven children—three boys and eight girls—of whom Brigida was the sixth. She held a central place not only in the natural order of birth but also in the supernatural order, marked by divine prediction and special gifts of grace.
Brigida was born on 10th June 1610, on the Octave of the feast of Corpus Domini, in the parish of St. Michael near Rapallo. Her birth was extraordinary, occurring without labor pain or the need for a mid-wife. This was considered providential, especially since there was only one mid-wife in the entire parish.
Brigida often visited her paternal grand-uncle and aunt at their holiday villa in St. Michael’s. They were deeply pious and read the lives of saints, which Brigida eagerly listened to. Even at a very young age, she developed a profound desire for sanctity.
Her vision of heaven at the age of four, her love for the poor, zeal for souls, eagerness to practice virtue, and deep longing to become a nun distinguished her as an extraordinary child, chosen by God for a special mission.
Endowed with the gifts of contemplation, prophecy, and miracles, Brigida Morello became a notable mystic of the 17th century. In an era when women had little place in society, she overcame immense obstacles caused by wars and social unrest.
Responding to the needs of the time, Brigida, along with six other women, dedicated herself to the education of young girls. Thus, the Congregation of the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate (UMI) was founded at Piacenza, Italy, on 17th February 1649.
The Lord revealed to her that her earthly journey would end within three months. While her physical suffering increased, her spiritual joy grew even greater. After a night of intense agony, surrounded by her daughters in prayer, she peacefully surrendered her soul to God at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, 3rd September 1679. She was sixty-nine years old.
Mother Brigida of Jesus Morello was beatified on 15th March 1998 by Pope John Paul II, recognizing her life of holiness, sacrifice, and service to the Church.
