Mother Margherita De Brincat

Mother Margherita De Brincat was the courageous and visionary foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, a religious congregation established in Gozo in 1880. Its origins can be traced to the Association of the Twelve Stars of the Heart of Jesus, formed in Rabat, Gozo, by a group of young girls under the spiritual guidance of Fr Joseph Diacono, Vice-Parish Priest of St George’s Parish.

Fr Diacono later developed this association into a diocesan religious congregation, first known as the Franciscan Tertiaries and subsequently as the Franciscan Sisters of Malta. With Papal approval and in order to better reflect its charism, the congregation eventually adopted the name Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus.

Although Fr Diacono formally founded the congregation, it was Mother Margherita who, inspired by God, nurtured it and guided it to maturity. Born Virginia De Brincat in Kerċem, Gozo, on 28 November 1862, she was educated at Fr Diacono’s school.

At just 27 years of age, and moved by the Holy Spirit, she accepted the responsibility of leading the congregation during a particularly critical period. Through faith, wisdom and perseverance, she overcame serious challenges that threatened its very existence. Today, the congregation continues to flourish across the world.

Mother Margherita was a woman of exceptional courage and leadership, firmly grounded in her trust in God’s loving plan. From a young age, she faced numerous difficulties, including severe financial hardship, resistance to opening new convents, the establishment of communities without basic necessities, and the hardships brought about by two world wars.

She met every trial with serenity, patience and steadfast faith, always surrendering herself to Divine Providence.

Mother Margherita described herself as “a small, small child accompanied by a Father whose presence makes her forget all troubles.” This deep spiritual trust shaped the charism that the Franciscan Sisters continue to live out today.

By the time of her death, Mother Margherita had dedicated 71 years of her life to religious service, including 27 years as Superior General. Her cause for beatification is ongoing, with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints currently examining a miraculous cure attributed to her intercession.