NAPLES, May 21 – A profound reflection on the figure of Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret and her innovative role in Neapolitan society will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026. The event, marking the bicentenary of her death, will include a study day and a concelebrated Mass, highlighting her lasting impact through the Sisters of Charity congregation.
The Enduring Legacy of Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret
The story of Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret is deeply intertwined with the ancient center of Naples, particularly within the Monumental Complex ‘Regina Coeli’. Her congregation, the Sisters of Charity, founded in the early 19th century, continues its work of solidarity and sharing within the community and globally. This bicentenary commemoration provides an opportunity for a critical re-evaluation of her contributions to new educational and welfare models, as well as the broader role of women in historical and social transformation.
A Day of Study and Commemoration
The study day, titled “Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret. A Female Revolution in 19th Century Naples,” is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd, at 9:00 AM in the Regina Coeli Monumental Complex, located at Vico San Gaudioso. The day’s proceedings will conclude at 6:30 PM with a concelebrated Eucharist in the Church of Santa Maria Regina Coeli, a restored artistic treasure, presided over by Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples.
Key participants in the discussions will include Maria Rosa Muscarella, Superior General of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret, and Lisa Moutoumalaya, Consul General of France and representative of the Institut Français Grenoble. They will be joined by various scholars and experts in the field.
Conference Structure and Focus
The conference will be divided into two main sessions. The first session, coordinated by Renata De Lorenzo of the Neapolitan Society of Homeland History, will provide a historical and cultural framework of Naples between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This will set the stage for understanding the context in which Mother Thouret operated.
The second session, coordinated by Elisa Novi Chavarria of the University of Molise, will delve deeper into Mother Thouret’s journey in Naples and the educational and cultural environment of her time. This segment aims to explore the specifics of her innovative approaches and their societal implications.
The Impact of a ‘Female Revolution’
Scholars emphasize that Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret’s work represented a significant “female revolution” for its era. Her efforts contributed to the establishment of progressive educational and welfare systems that challenged existing norms. This commemoration aims not only to honor her memory but also to inspire a contemporary understanding of women’s historical agency and their capacity to drive social change.
The event underscores the enduring relevance of her legacy, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about women’s leadership, social justice, and community development. The Sisters of Charity continue to embody her principles through their active engagement in various social initiatives, reflecting the foundational values instilled by their founder.
The bicentenary serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and often overlooked contributions of women to historical progress, urging a continuous re-examination of narratives to ensure a more inclusive understanding of societal evolution.
