Sr. M. Modesta Santina Grotto
Sr. M. Modesta Santina Grotto was a sister who belonged to the pioneers in Brazil and always stood out for her joy and apostolic zeal. She was the cheerful soul of the group and inspired the young members in their prayer, apostolic, and recreational activities. Her laughter was infectious and could be heard from afar. With a spirit full of zeal, she radiated it in prayer, apostolate, and even in household chores.
Santina Grotto was born in Piovene Rocchette, a town in the province of Vicenza, on June 28, 1924. She joined the congregation on June 15, 1946. Her novitiate began on March 24, 1948, and she professed her religious vows on March 25, 1949, in Alba (CN), followed by perpetual vows on March 25, 1954, also in Alba. After spending two years in Portugal, where she familiarized herself with the Portuguese language, she returned to Italy and became part of the group of pioneers who established the presence of the Disciples of the Divine Master in Brazil.
These pioneers, including Sr. M. Modesta Grotto, received a special blessing from the Founder, Fr James Alberione. They arrived in São Paulo on July 26, 1956, and began their mission. The initial group consisted of seven sisters: Sr. M. Salvatoris Rosa, Sr. M. Modesta Grotto, Sr. M. Venerina Vaccarisi, Sr. M. Giancarla Barale, Sr. M. Pasquina Romano, and Sr. M. Fabiana Lucido. Upon reaching Brazil, they met Sr. M. Paolina de Luca, who had preceded them to visit her family there.
The first residence for the young sisters was a rented house in the Villa Mariana area of São Paulo. The Lord blessed them with vocations that started their formative journey there. As the need for more space and apostolic activities grew, they moved to the Raposo Tavares area in 1961, where the entire Pauline Family resided.
Sr. Modesta initially dedicated herself to the priestly apostolate in the Pauline Seminary for a brief period. Soon, she began her apostolic and vocational travels. In unfamiliar cities, she quickly won the favor of pastors and families, inviting people to join in prayer for the perpetual Adoration of the Disciples of the Divine Master and sought collaboration for vocations.
Sr. Modesta, the missionary who stayed the longest in Brazil, witnessed the seeds planted in the Brazilian soil and had the opportunity to see their fruits. She was known for her adventures, laughter, and zeal.
In 1979, Sr. Modesta returned to Italy and served briefly in the Prayer House in Centrale di Zugliano (VI). Later, she was offered the role of auxiliary in the Regina Apostolorum Hospital in Albano, specifically in the ward dedicated to priests. Besides her meticulous cleaning duties, her work was enriched by constant prayer, making her a joyful and contagious witness even for the priests.
In 1988, she returned to Centrale di Zugliano, contributing her creativity and industriousness in various tasks. In 2006, due to health issues, she moved to a community for elderly sisters, first in Cinisello Balsamo (MI) and then in Sanfrè (CN). Afflicted by various illnesses over the years, she passed away on January 23, 2017, surrounded by the loving care of her fellow sisters.
In this centennial celebration, we join all the sisters in Brazil, past and present, in thanking and glorifying Jesus the Master for Sr. Modesta and the first Disciples who laid the foundations for and transmitted the Charism entrusted to us by Blessed Giacomo Alberione.