Sister Gabriella Pettirossi, FSE

Born and raised in Assisi, Italy, the native town of St. Francis, Sister Gabriella Pettirossi apparently inherited an abundant share of the famous saint’s spirit of joy and generosity. Her infectious humor, clever insights and wholehearted hospitality spread the joy of Franciscan life wherever she is.

Sister Gabriella’s abilities nourish others in body and spirit. Known for her skill in cooking, Sister Gabriella demonstrates her generosity by providing ample and delicious Italian fare for her Community and guests. As a marriage and family therapist, she is committed to nurturing a sense of hope in clients as they seek healing in their life struggles.

As a youth, Sister Gabriella was active in the Catholic Scouts program. She and her friends, also Scouts, offered to help the Franciscan Sisters in Assisi with a work project. Being a Sister was never on her mind until that day. After graduating with a degree in Marketing and Management of Touristic Enterprises from the CSST under the patronage of the University of Perugia, she was employed as a sales representative for an international safety equipment company. Her convincing personality drove sales up so much that the owner asked to employ her even after she became a Sister.

Sister Gabriella professed first vows as a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist in 2002. She obtained a masters degree in marriage and family counseling from Central Connecticut State University and post-masters certificate in theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. She has served professionally at the Franciscan Life Center, Meriden, Connecticut and at Catholic Charities and the Marriage Tribunal, Arlington, Virginia. She currently works at the Vatican Apostolic Library as an assistant to the vice prefect and part-time as a therapist in a counseling center at the center of Rome. She also participates in the apostolate to the U.S. Naval Support Site Base in Naples with the community and the seminarians of the North American College working in the catechetical program and with the Women’s Catholic Group.

The Community is blessed to have this vibrant “daughter of Assisi” as a Sister who spreads the magnetic joy of St. Francis to so many persons.