The Blessed of Brenzone: Faith, Roots, and Living Legacy

Brenzone sul Garda is distinguished for being the birthplace or spiritual home of two figures venerated in the Catholic Church: Saint Maria Domenica Mantovani and Blessed Giuseppe Nascimbeni. Together, they founded and guided the Piccole Suore della Sacra Famiglia, a congregation dedicated to education, care for the vulnerable, and service within communities in Italy and abroad.

Maria Domenica Mantovani (1862–1934)

Born in Castelletto di Brenzone on November 12, 1862, Maria Domenica Mantovani demonstrated a deep spirituality and commitment to others from a young age. Encouraged by her parish priest, Giuseppe Nascimbeni, she dedicated her life to caring for the sick and teaching catechism.

In 1892, she co-founded the Piccole Suore della Sacra Famiglia with him and became its first superior general. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 27, 2003, and canonized by Pope Francis on May 15, 2022. Known for her smile and dedication to the poor and needy, she was proclaimed a saint in 2022.

Giuseppe Nascimbeni (1851–1922)

Originally from Torri del Benaco, Giuseppe Nascimbeni became the parish priest of Castelletto in 1877. Admired for his pastoral and charitable work, he promoted education, the construction of essential infrastructure, and community services. In 1892, he co-founded the Institute of the Piccole Suore della Sacra Famiglia with Maria Domenica, which expanded throughout Italy and abroad. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 17, 1988, and is remembered for his "Christian charity and heroic virtues."

Castelletto Parish Church, which houses relics and memories of both saints. The Birthplace and Ethnographic Museuml (Castelletto) preserves the environments where Maria Domenica lived and served.