“If the world takes something from us on the one hand, God will give us something on the other.”
St. Louise de Marillac
June 1, 2026
Vatican Theologians Advance Cause for Canonization of Sister Blandina Segale
Servant of God Sister of Charity Blandina Segale, SC. Courtesy of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.
The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati welcomed news this week of a new milestone in the cause for canonization of Servant of God Sister Blandina Segale.
CommonSpirit St. Joseph’s Children announced the update during a June 1 press conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vatican theologians voted on May 28, 2026, to advance Sister Blandina’s cause for further review by the bishops and cardinals before it is presented to the Pope. While Sister Blandina has not yet been declared Venerable, this development represents a significant step forward in the Church’s canonization process and affirms the compelling witness of her life and ministry.
“We are overjoyed by this wonderful news,” said Allen Sánchez, petitioner for Sister Blandina’s cause. “Sister Blandina truly won the hearts of these esteemed theologians from Catholic pontifical universities in Rome and around the world. Their vote is a testament to the heroic virtue she demonstrated throughout her life.”
“The Sisters of Charity are profoundly grateful for the life of Sister Blandina and her witness of faith, courage, and care for those most in need,” said Sister Monica Gundler, president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. “As her story continues to be shared with the world, we pray that her compassionate heart will inspire others to emulate her example of charity, justice, and service.”
Born Rosa Maria Segale in 1850, Sister Blandina immigrated from Italy to the United States as a child and later entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati at the age of 16. After serving in schools in Colorado, she became known throughout the Southwest for her courageous ministry in Colorado and New Mexico, where she advocated for immigrants, established schools and hospitals, served the marginalized, and worked for peace and justice in frontier communities.
After returning to Cincinnati, Sister Blandina continued her ministry among immigrants and families in need. She and her sister, Sister Justina Segale, helped lay the foundation for social service ministries that would later become Santa Maria Community Services, extending compassionate support to newly arrived immigrants and others facing poverty and hardship.
Guided by a deep concern for those on the margins, Sister Blandina devoted her life to recognizing the needs of the most vulnerable and responding with courage, compassion, and action. Her legacy continues today through ministries that serve children, families, immigrants, and others in need.
The title “Servant of God” was granted when her cause for canonization was formally opened in June 2014. If the Pope recognizes that Sister Blandina lived a life of heroic virtue, she would be declared Venerable, marking the next major step toward sainthood.
Learn More
More information about Sister Blandina’s life, ministry, and cause for canonization is available at: www.srcharitycinti.org/who-we-are/archives/historical-resources/servant-of-god-blandina-segale-sc/materials/
A recording of the June 1 press conference is available at: www.youtube.com/live/n3Vuw8IWJV8
Media Contact
Erin RederDirector of CommunicationsSisters of Charity of Cincinnati513-347-5447erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org
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