Mother Crocifissa Caputo

Mother Crocifissa Caputo (Maddalena) was born in Angri (Province of Salerno) on August 18, 1848, daughter of Antonio Caputo and Agnella Garofalo, parents who were land owners and devoted themselves to agricultural work, rich in faith and devotion to God.

While still a child, a great desire to become a religious was kindled in her heart, but she didn't know where or how, because there was no religious house in Angri. She lived a simple life, pious, reserved, of sacrifice and dedicated to apostolic life. She nourished in prayer her secret desire, confirmed by her private vow to consecrate herself to God, at the age of 25.
In 1876, Providence introduced her to Fr. Alfonso Maria Fusco, thus bringing together "two ardent souls with the same desire: to open a house for the good of orphans and abandoned girls".

On 25th of September 1878, with three other companions, Maddalena began the mission entrusted to her by Providence, entering the poor house prepared by the Founder Fr. Alfonso Maria Fusco. The first years were hard for the sacrifices faced with great faith and generosity and for the many hardships that challenged the courage and determination of those young women. On July 16, 1880, Maddalena Caputo, who took the name of Sr. Crocifissa del Divino Amore, together with five other girls received the religious habit. Fr. Fusco who saw in the six young girls the first foundation of the building of the whole work, felt vivid and indescribable joy.

From that moment Maddalena, for 25 years, was the model and vigilant Mother of the Congregation, which grew in number and in works with her care and with her energetic guidance, spreading to various towns and cities.
Mother Crocifissa fell ill in Rome at the end of 1902 and on her deathbed, clutching the Crucifix, she entrusted to God the Institute to which she had dedicated herself completely, blessed the Sisters and died peacefully on February 4, 1903 at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, at age of 54.