PAX – SISTER DILETTA ARRIGONI

PAX!

Renewing our faith in the Risen Christ, in whom we place our certainty and hope, we announce with emotion and gratitude that on May 29^th, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. (local time), in the infirmary of Casa Madre, Voghera (Pavia / Italia), the heavenly spouse welcomed into his arms:

SUOR DILETTA ARRIGONI

Province Giustina and Maria Schiapparoli

97 years old and 73 years of Religious Profession

Sr. Diletta (Anna) born in Dorno Lomellina (Pavia / ITALY), on April 9^th, 1928. The young Anna is from Dorno, PV, where, attracted by the presence of the Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence who worked in that city, she gradually developed the desire to dedicate herself entirely to the Lord. She herself states in her request to the Superior General:

“The Lord has been making me feel his call for several years, but only now, at the age of twenty-one, can I respond to it. It is precisely to become a saint that I intend to become a Sister and also to do so much good for the souls. I have in my heart an immense desire for all this to happen, I invoke the Lord’s will and grace with confidence…” (Dorno 1-9-1949). 

Her mother was a woman of deep prayer. Sister Diletta carried with her the prayer written by her mother to obtain the grace of going to Heaven immediately after death.

“O Mary, obtain for me this grace: that I may die with you and fly with you to Paradise!”

On October 15^th, 1949, she entered the Congregation in Voghera / Pavia, being received by the local Superior, Sister Tranquilla Madama, during the government of Mother Giovanna Zonca. Her novitiate mistress was Sister Camilla Bassani. She made her first vows in the Chapel of the Mother House on August 24^th, 1951.

From the beginning, Sister Diletta lived an intense life of prayer and self-giving. She was an excellent kindergarten teacher and very committed to the mission of welcoming, assisting and educating.

The mission she carried out in the various communities, such as Pontecurone, Broni, Corbetta, Candia Lomellina, Serravalle Scrivia, Voghera and Gerlina, speaks of the greatness of her heart.

Always available, very lively, she spoke more with her blue eyes than with words. A mother to the little ones and willing to listen, she spared no sacrifices to help those in need.

Precisely because she was welcoming and available, she held positions as local Superior in several communities, was Provincial Superior, Provincial Councillor, Mistress of Novices and pastoral animator.

 Let us leave the word to Mother Narcisa who has been close to her in recent times:

 At the end of this day, the eyes that shone and illuminated this world with their presence are closed. The earth was silent for a moment and the sky opened in celebration to welcome who were returning home.

Diletta… A name that means: beloved, dear, chosen, esteemed… Yes, our dear Sister Diletta made the meaning of her name a life program, a way of living, a way of relating with God and people.

Her beautiful blue eyes reflected her heavenly life, her life in God. In these last months, when I had the grace of meeting her several times in the Infirmary of the Mother House, Sister Diletta always had a kind word, of welcome, of affection, of wisdom, of spirituality, of love for Jesus. The mouth speaks of what the heart overflows.In these last weeks, even with her health very fragile, confined to bed, despite using oxygen… still lucid, she welcomed everyone with a smile, always grateful for everything and everyone.Sister Diletta, who loved our Congregation very much, passed away peacefully, carrying each one of us in her heart. Now, when we return to our Mother House, we will miss her, but we will always remember her with great affection.My friend Sister Diletta, you who prayed so much, we count on your intercession, now that you are with God. To you, dear Sister, our eternal gratitude.

Testimony of Sister Maria das Dores Paz:

I thank the Lord for having lived in Pontecurone in the community where Sister Diletta was the Superior. I, was send to this city, still very young and without experience of a nursery school, I found in Sister Diletta more than just understanding, she was a mother.With her I also learned to value the priest’s homily. Every Sunday, during lunch, we shared at least one thought from the liturgy, before other conversations.In Pontecurone, the community was involved in parish ministry, as well as in the children’s school; the parish newspaper was coordinated, and Sister Diletta was always ready and did not hesitate to help the priests, both the young priest and the elderly.In short, Sister Diletta was a “complete” Sister, available and attentive. Her spirituality was Trinitarian and she had great trust in Divine Providence. She leaves a great void, but we know that such an upright and dedicated person leaves a legacy of faith that endures in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Praise be to God for the gift that Sister Diletta was, lived and matured in the shadow of the Providence. Now with the Lord, she is at peace. (Sister Maria das Dores Paz)

Others Testimony:

How could we forget Sr. Diletta, the animator of the elderly women in Gerlina? Her gentle and creative presence made the atmosphere serene and joyful…In the infirmary of the Mother House, her hands were always in motion, crocheting and her fingers continually counting the mysteries of the rosary…

She was a true Benedictine who lived in listening, in prayer and in continuous mission, but in silence.

After days of suffering, but always abandoned to the will of God, Sister Diletta surrendered herself yesterday calmly and serenely into the arms of the Lord Jesus, her beloved Spouse.

Dear Sister Diletta, we will miss you! Intercede for us before the Lord and ask, in the name of all 0f us, for holy vocations for our Congregation and for the Church. Thank you for your witness among us.

The funeral will be held tomorrow, May 31^st, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Mother House and then the body will be buried in the Voghera / Pavia Cemetery.

In communion of prayer, united with all the Sisters of the Giustina and Maria Schiapparoli Province, their families and friends, let us entrust this Sister of ours to the arms of the Providence.

“Living with my three”

(From his writings)

REST IN THE PEACE OF THE LORD!

 Sr. Maria das Dores Paz – General Secretary