Blessed Osanna of Mantua

Blessed Osanna of Mantua, also known as Hosanna Andreasi or Osanna Andreassi, was a holy woman from Italy who lived in the 1400s. She was not a nun, but she lived like one in many ways. She followed the spirit of the Dominican Order while remaining in the world. She is remembered for her quiet life of prayer, her care for the poor, and her special closeness to God. Many people came to her for advice, including leaders of her city.

Osanna was known for having visions. She also received the stigmata, which are marks on the body that match the wounds of Jesus. She carried these signs with humility and did not want attention. She kept them hidden from most people.

Though she did not hold any public office, she had a great influence on those around her. People trusted her because she lived a holy life and listened closely to God. She offered comfort, wisdom, and courage to those who came to her, especially during hard times in the city of Mantua.

The Church gave her the title “Blessed” in the early 1500s, not long after her death. Her feast day is celebrated on June 20 in some Catholic calendars. Today she is remembered as a model of how to live a holy life without leaving one’s home or family.

Osanna was born in Mantua, Italy, in 1449. She came from a noble family called the Andreasi. Her parents wanted her to grow up and marry well, like many girls of her class. But Osanna felt a strong pull toward God from a young age. Even as a little girl, she loved silence and prayer.

Something unusual happened when she was about five years old. She had her first vision. She saw a beautiful light and felt very close to God. After that, she often saw angels or heard messages during prayer. These things shaped her faith and made her want to give her whole life to God.

She could not read as a child, and there were not many schools for girls at that time. But one day, she prayed to God to help her read so she could understand the prayers and the Bible. Her prayer was answered, and she learned to read without a teacher. This was seen as a miracle by those who knew her.

As she got older, her family began to arrange a marriage for her. Osanna did not want to marry, but she obeyed her parents as much as she could. At the age of fourteen, she bravely told them that she had promised herself to Christ. Her parents were upset, but they finally let her follow her own path.

She did not enter a convent, but she still lived a very religious life. She stayed in her family home and served others from there. This was not common in her time, but it worked for her. She became a lay member of the Dominican Order, which allowed her to live a life of prayer while staying in the world.

Osanna became a Dominican tertiary, which means she followed the ways of the Dominican Order without becoming a nun. She made promises to live simply, to pray often, and to care for others. She wore the Dominican habit and spent many hours each day in prayer.

She was given the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on her body. This happened when she was about thirty years old. The marks were painful, but she did not complain. She saw them as a sign that she was sharing in the suffering of Jesus. She kept these wounds hidden for most of her life and only a few people knew about them.

Her prayer life was deep and constant. She often went into long moments of quiet, where she would have visions of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or saints. These moments filled her with peace, but sometimes they came with suffering too. She accepted both the joy and the pain.

Even though she had many special experiences, she did not think she was better than others. She remained humble and simple. She still did daily chores, cared for the sick, and gave food to the poor. She believed that God was present in both prayer and daily work.

Her love for Christ’s Passion was strong. She often thought about His suffering on the cross and joined her own pain with His. She felt called to offer her suffering for the needs of the Church and the world. This made her prayer even more serious and loving.

Mantua in the 1400s was a city full of trouble. There were wars, political struggles, and times of fear. Even so, people found hope in Osanna. Her home became a quiet place where others could come for comfort, advice, or simply peace. She did not speak loudly, but her words carried weight.

People from all walks of life came to see her. Rich and poor, young and old, even rulers and bishops came to ask her what they should do. She had a way of listening deeply and answering with wisdom. Many believed that God was speaking through her.

Osanna stayed involved in the needs of her city. She prayed for peace and guided those in power to act with justice. One of the leaders of Mantua, Francesco II Gonzaga, came to her often for counsel. She was not afraid to speak the truth, even when it was hard to hear.

She also served the poor. She gave food, helped the sick, and made sure no one who came to her was turned away. She did this without drawing attention to herself. Her life was quiet, but it changed the lives of many.

She had no formal role in the Church or in government, but her influence was real. She showed that holiness can shape the world, even without titles or power. People who met her went away with new courage and peace.

Osanna died in 1505. She was 55 years old. Many people mourned her passing, but they also gave thanks for her life. Word of her holiness spread quickly. Stories of her visions, her charity, and her wisdom moved many. People began to pray through her intercession, and some reported favors or healings.

Just ten years later, in 1515, Pope Leo X approved her cult. This means the Church allowed public devotion to her and called her “Blessed.” This was an early step in the canonization process, though she has not been declared a saint officially. Still, she is honored in many places as a holy woman close to God.

Her feast day is celebrated on June 20. She is known as a patron of people who seek spiritual direction and of her hometown of Mantua. Her life reminds us that deep faith does not require a public stage. Quiet prayer, service, and courage can shine brightly even in dark times.

Today, she is remembered as someone who stayed faithful in the middle of a busy world. She did not run away from her duties but found God in the middle of them. Her life is a model for those who want to be close to God while still living in the world.

Blessed Osanna of Mantua shows us that a hidden life can still have great meaning. By loving God and others in small, daily ways, we too can grow in holiness.

Devotion That Speaks Loudly

Blessed Osanna of Mantua showed her devotion to God in everything she did. From a young age, she said no to marriage and yes to God, even when it meant going against her family’s plans. She stayed committed to her faith, cared for her siblings and the poor, and spoke up for what was right.

Osanna’s whole life made it clear she loved God most. People around her could see it. True devotion is visible—it shows in your choices, your words, and how you treat others. What would people say you’re most devoted to?

Her real name was “Gentile.” But she changed it to “Osanna” after a vision told her to. That’s like a heavenly nickname!

As a kid, she had visions of angels and saints. She thought everyone saw them. Surprise: they didn’t.

She taught herself to read by looking at a prayer book. Never had a teacher. Just prayer and brainpower!

At age 5, she saw Jesus in a vision and asked to suffer for Him. FIVE. Most kids are asking for snacks.

She secretly wanted to become a nun, but her parents said no. So she waited. And prayed. And waited.

She became a Dominican tertiary—which means she lived at home but followed the order’s rules. Kind of like a spiritual ninja.

She had mystical experiences almost every day—visions, ecstasies, and deep prayer. Like a direct line to heaven.

She got the stigmata—the wounds of Jesus—but they were invisible. She didn’t want anyone fussing over her.

She also received a crown of thorns. Not a symbol—a real invisible one. It hurt, but she offered the pain to God.

She could read hearts. People came to her for advice, and she’d say, “Here’s what’s really going on.” Instant spiritual X-ray.

She helped run her big household. Cooking, cleaning, budgets—and still had time to pray. Saint multitasking!

She took care of her sick father, managed the family business, and helped the poor. All in one holy to-do list.

Important people asked her for advice—princes, priests, even bishops. She had no title, but everyone knew she was wise.

She prayed for the city of Mantua constantly. When war or plague came, people said, “Call Osanna!”

She died in 1505, quietly, after a life of deep love and deep suffering.

Her body didn’t decay. People visited her tomb for years, asking her prayers.

She’s the patron of mystics, lay Dominicans, and people who pray while doing laundry.

Her symbols are the crown of thorns, a cross, and sometimes a book—because she learned straight from heaven.