Victoria was a widow who was comforted by a vision of Mary and went on to found a religious order for nuns in 17th century France.

She was born in Genoa in 1562, and felt a call to give her life to God as a nun, but followed the wishes of her parents and married at the age of 17. Her husband joined Victoria in charitable works, and the couple bore six children together.

Her husband died after nine years of marriage, and his passing cast Victoria into a depression. She despaired of being able to care for her children alone. When a nobleman of her city asked her to marry him, she considered it seriously for the security of her children.

Then she received a vision in which Mary appeared to her and assured Victoria of her protection for her family. “I will care for your household,” Mary said, “Live quietly without worrying. All I ask is that you will entrust yourself to me and devote yourself to the love of God above all else.”

Victoria made a vow of chastity and gave her time equally to her children, to prayer, and to caring for the poor. She led her family in living simply and prayerfully.

When her children had grown and established their own lives, Victoria began a new community of religious sisters dedicated to Mary, called the Order of the Annunciation. One of her friends offered to purchase a building for their motherhouse, and Victoria and ten other women began their life together in 1604.

A second house was established eight years later when more women joined the community, and soon afterwards the order spread to France. Victoria spent the rest of her life leading that community of sisters; she died in 1617 and her relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica. Her image is used here with permission from Catholic.org.

Blessed Victoria Strata, you were the widow who faithfully raised your children and then raised new convents, pray for us!