On 25 March 2026, during a solemn Mass celebrated by the diocesan bishop, Mgr. Nuno Almeida, and in the presence of Dom Loris Tomassini, Abbot of Frattocchie, Father Immediate, and of Mother Rosaria Spreafico, abbess of Vitorchiano, the founding monastery, the foundation of Santa Maria Mãe da Igreja, Palaçoulo (Portugal) was officially elevated to the rank of simple priory, according to the decision of the General Chapter 2025.
On 26 March 2026, Mother Giuseppina Maffini was elected the first prioress of Santa Maria Mãe da Igreja, Palaçoulo (Portugal) for a six-years term. Mother Giuseppina was born in Cremona, Italy in 1963. She entered Vitorchiano in 1988 and was sent to Palaçoulo as one of the foundresses in 2020. She has been the superior of the community of Palaçoulo since 2020.
Back to overview