On June 20, 2025, the Vatican officially recognised the heroic virtues of Sister Teresa Tambelli, a Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. This decree, authorised by Pope Leo XIV and promulgated by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, granted her the title of Venerable—a significant milestone in her beatification process.
Building on this recognition, we delve into the life of a consecrated and tireless woman, whose existence was marked by generous dedication and the power of charity, lived with love, hope, faith, and joy.
WHO IS SISTER TAMBELLI?
Olga Tambelli was born in Revere, in the province of Mantua, Lombardy, on January 17, 1884, the sixth of seven children in a cultured and affluent family. Her father, though trained as a lawyer, chose not to practice and instead joined Garibaldi in the famous Expedition of the Thousand. Orphaned at age 13, she studied in Parma with the Daughters of the Cross and encountered the Daughters of Charity during summer holidays at her older sister’s house in Ostiglia. Captivated by their simple and warm demeanour, she later joined their congregation, dedicating her life wholly to the fervent mission of charity.
Though she requested to serve abroad, she was sent to Sardinia—then considered a missionary territory – where she remained for 57 years. In her new community, she exemplified kindness, humility, availability, and charity, winning the hearts of all around her.
LIFE AND MISSION
Beginning in 1914, the year Sister Nicoli arrived at the Marina Asylum, the bold mission of both sisters transformed the Marina neighbourhood. In 1925, Sister Tambelli succeeded Sister Nicoli as superior of the house, continuing the work, modernising the Asylum’s schools according to new guidelines, and establishing embroidery, sewing, and repair workshops. By 1941, she had opened an equivalent middle school and a legally recognised teacher training course.
Yet her heart’s deepest affection was reserved for the Marianellis, the second generation of Sister Nicoli’s famous is piccioccus dei crobi (boys of the basket). Every Sunday, while the city still slept, Sister Teresa walked through the narrow alleys with another nun, clapping in front of doors and gently waking children for the 6 a.m. parish Mass. Afterwards, she led them to the Marina Asylum for breakfast—bread and mortadella. She taught catechism with a lively, clear, and engaging method that captured the children’s hearts.
After World War II, she ventured into the remotest suburbs of Cagliari with her younger sisters, carrying bags of provisions on her back. Her trust in Divine Providence was profound. Twice annually—at Christmas and on the feast of Saint Vincent—she organised lunches for 1,500 poor people. From 1940 to 1943, she welcomed the homeless into the House, and following that period, the entire community took refuge in Uras, a Sardinian village where she established a soup kitchen for the poor.
SLANDER AND PERSECUTION
She founded a middle school and provided catechesis to those preparing for First Communion. Alongside fellow Daughters of Charity, she also taught elementary classes throughout the year.
When subjected to injustices by the administration’s president—the same who had slandered Sister Nicoli—she responded with heroic Christian virtue. Expelled from the city on January 1, 1934, she spent nine months in Olbia, Turin, and Milan, assisting Sisters wherever needed. In Milan, she worked with the poor alongside Blessed Cardinal Schuster, serving joyfully and serenely wherever she went.
Although many local authorities advocated for her return to Cagliari, the mayor, bound by his promise to the president, upheld her expulsion. Still, her superiors considered her the rightful superior of the Sisters of Marina. It was they—alongside the Daughters of Mary, the Damine, and countless mothers and students—who held a triduum to Our Lady of Bonaria, praying for her return. On September 27, the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, Sister Teresa triumphantly returned to the city, bringing joy to all.
HER FINAL JOURNEY
On February 23, 1964, just after Mass, her heart suddenly stopped – exhausted, yet “with her weapons in hand.” The prayer she always taught the Marianellis came to fruition:
“Jesus, Joseph, Mary, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Joseph, Mary, may my last nourishment be the Holy Eucharist.”
They say no one will ever fully understand how she managed to help so many. She remains a true witness to the living charity of Christ in His Church.
Sister Rita Columbano, DC
