Over one hundred people took part with keen interest and enthusiasm in the symposium dedicated to the venerable Elisa Giambelluca (1941–1986), held on 21 April 2026 at the Istituto Comprensivo Amarelli in Rossano, Italy.
Far from showing any signs of fatigue after more than three hours of presentations, the attendees—mostly former pupils and colleagues—shared memories, testimonies and reflections in an atmosphere of warmth and gratitude.
The principal of the school, Tiziana Cerbino, welcomed everyone and emphasised the historical link with the Teresian Association. She spoke of Elisa as a model school principal because of her professionalism and her educational style based on listening, dialogue and serenity.
The presentations highlighted Elisa’s role as a key figure in a major pedagogical renewal taking place in Rossano from 1973 onwards, in tune with the post-conciliar momentum of the Church and the social and educational changes underway at the time. .
The first presentation was given by Dr Franco Converso, a member of ACIT. He gave an overview of spirituality today by offering a multifaceted picture in which traditional categories are now side by side with those arising from secular culture and technology. Now many different faces and languages are united by a single human desire to seek meaning.
Daniela Corinaldesi, a teacher of Literature and Classical Languages and a member of the TA, spoke about the role of Elisa Giambelluca in the pedagogical renewal taking place in Rossano, within the international context of the Teresian Association. She noted Elisa’s decisive role at the Istituto Magistrale S. Pio X, where, under her leadership, innovative teaching methods were implemented that centred on the individual and on teamwork and shared responsibility. Her approach to leadership—approachable, inclusive and very human—enabled the creation of a genuine community of learning forged in the school of Saint Pedro Poveda.
Maddalena Pievaioli, postulator for Elisa’s cause for beatification, described the witness she gave as being an expression of lay and “synodal” holiness, ahead of her time, capable of bringing the concept of “us all” to life through listening, discernment and shared prayer.
Numerous testimonies confirmed the impact of her educational and Christian style, lived out with simplicity in the daily life of the classroom and the school. The Archbishop of Rossano-Cariati, Maurizio Aloise, concluded the meeting by highlighting Elisa’s ordinary holiness. It was built on work well done and extraordinary love. It invites everyone to live out their vocation to holiness in the family, at work and in society.
The gathering culminated with Mass on 22 April, and was open to everyone in the community.
1979–1980. With teachers from the Magistrale school in Rossano. Elisa, holding books, bottom row, second from the left.
Giovanna Liota, Rossano.
Original in Italian.
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