Aiming for the perfect imitation of the Virgin Mary

Our Monastery of the Celestial Annunciades in Rome, which was originally located near St Mary Major (on the Esquiline River), was founded on April 27, 1676 by Princess Donna Camilla Orsini Borghese, "a fine example of holiness in married and monastic life." After having lived in the world as a princess authentically living Christian charity, she became a nun and lived humbly.

The spirit of the Order of the Celestial Annunciades aims for the perfect imitation of the Virgin Mary, which for the former princess was that precious pearl of the Gospel for which "she went and sold all her possessions" (Mt 13:46).

"Her spirituality is applicable to all times, and even more so today, because our society has been stripped of the sacred, and therefore needs to be reanimated and consecrated to the love of Jesus Christ." Princess Donna Camilla died on March 14, 1685, and her cause for beatification was introduced on September 10, 1746.

In the chronicles of the Celestial Annunciades of Rome, 25 miracles are attributed to the intercession of Princess Donna Camilla, in religion Mother Maria Vittoria, between 1840 and 1847. Her relics rest in the church of our monastery.

The monastery she founded was abandoned by force in 1872. Since February 1, 1939, her spiritual daughters, known as the "Blue Girls" (because of their dark blue habit) have lived in the current monastery located in Via Portuense, 771 – Rome, Italy.

The community of the Celestial Annunciades of Rome had the joy and honor, on December 1, 1985, to receive the visit of His Holiness Pope Saint John Paul II. The echo of his fatherly words still resounds in our contemplative hearts: "I wish you to be the apostles of the Annunciation and the Incarnation here. Hidden, but fruitful. And with this wish, I bless you."

Adapted and translated from the Order of the Celestial Annunciades