Eleonora d'Este (1643-1722)

Eleonora d'Este (2 January 1643, Mantua - 24 February 1722, Modena) was an Italian princess and nun. She was the daughter of Francesco I d'Este, Duke of Modena and his first wife Maria Farnese - the couple had had another child called Eleonora in 1639 but she had died aged one.

She grew up in her father's court and became known at a very early age for her religious fervour and works of charity. On 3 May 1764 she entered a Discalced Carmelite convent, changing her name to Maria Francesca dello Spirito Santo. She was frequently put in charge of the religious community and was also entrusted with setting up a monastery in Reggio Emilia, which opened in 1689 and remained open until 1798.[1] She became so popular that she also became a spiritual director to several noblewomen.[2] She died in 1722 with the odour of sanctity and her remains are still venerated by the Catholic church.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Venerabile Maria Francesca dello Spirito Santo (Eleonora d’Este)
  2. ↑ http://www.carmelovocazioni.it/Calendario_Home.asp?type_request=view&CurrentDay=19&Month=3
  3. ↑ SANTI OCD - SANTOS OCD - Postulazione Generale Carmelitani Scalzi - Roma
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