Armida Barelli

1882-1952 20th century

The apostolic boldness of lay people, trusting God where everything seems impossible.

Who was Armida Barelli?

A laywoman of Milan, she founded the Female Youth of Catholic Action and co-founded the Catholic University of Milan. Never leaving her lay state, she mobilised thousands of women and carried works she had been told were impossible.

In their own words

Impossible? It will be done.

Her habitual saying

O Jesus, what I have, what I am, here it is; take my whole activity and make of it the work of your glory.

Act of offering

Do not be content with being good: I want you to be apostles, apostles who love and make the Lord loved.

Message to the Female Youth