October 14, 1935 – January 2, 2026
Sr. M. Cristina Rizzetto was born in San Donà di Piave on October 14, 1935, to father Attilio and mother Elisabetta De Faveri. She was baptized with the name Alice.
Alice was the seventh daughter; her parents had 4 sons, and 5 daughters.
During her childhood, she attended elementary school in her hometown. She received the sacrament of the Eucharist in the church of Fossà, and was confirmed on September 10, 1945, in San Donà di Piave.
She lived with her parents until July 23, 1958, the date of her entrance into the Congregation.
She did her novitiate in Rome with her formator Sr. Maria Leocadia, and professed her first vows on September 29, 1961.
She renewed her vows in 1964, and professed her final vows in 1966.
In 1969 and 1971, respectively, her mother and father passed away.
After her temporary profession, Sr. Cristina was transferred to Mondavio (Pesaro) in 1964, where she was assigned to the kitchen and laundry service.
For many years, Sr. Cristina served in her ministry with responsibility and diligence, first at the Istituto S. Giuseppe with the girls who lived there, and then in the same house, when it was turned into a nursing home for the elderly and sick.
Sr. Cristina celebrated her 25th jubilee of religious life in Rome in 1986 and her 50th jubilee in 2011.
In July 2018, Sr. Cristina was hospitalized for a serious intestinal condition. On July 12, she underwent surgery and, following the operation, she had to get a stoma.
She was lovingly cared for day and night by the community of Mondavio throughout her illness.
Sr. Cristina’s health improved over the following months. She gained independence in managing her medical devices and resumed helping the sisters with small community services and laundry.
In September 2025, she accepted her transfer to Casa S. Giuseppe in Capannelle with a spirit of faith, despite her deep connection with Mondavio.
On October 25, she celebrated her 90th birthday at Casa Generalizia with the sisters of the Italy Delegation. The celebration included a Mass of Thanksgiving and a magnificent lunch. The sister appreciated and rejoiced in the beautiful celebration.
Sr. Cristina had a welcoming nature and was grateful for life.
In the last days of December 2025, she developed flu symptoms. The sisters of her community cared for her tirelessly, especially during the night between January 1 and 2.
On January 2, at dawn, Sr. Cristina peacefully passed away in her sleep, leaving her earthly home for her heavenly home. She softly flew into the joy of God’s kingdom in her sleep, as she had wished.
Homecoming was held on January 3, 2026, in the chapel of Casa S. Giuseppe in Capannelle. The Sisters and many of Sr. Cristina’s nieces and nephews, whom she was particularly fond of, were present.
She is buried in Verano Cemetery, alongside many of the sisters she lived with during her many years of service in Mondavio.
We treasure her smile and kindness in our hearts as a legacy of eternal life.
Submitted by Sr. Miryam Elisa Stella