Brief biography

Born: February 7, 1937 – Livery Naples Italy
Baptized: February 19, 1937 – Church of St. George Martyr
Emigrated: July 4, 1964 arrives at Toronto with Dr. Nicola Sbarra from Liveri
Deceased: March 21, 1992
Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario

Carmelina Tarantino was born in Italy in 1937 and arrived in Toronto in 1964, searching for answers to an unexplained illness that baffled doctors in her homeland. Canadian doctors suspected a rare form of cancer but it was never confirmed. Sr. Carmelina suffered through painful treatments, including the amputation of her leg and a masectomy. Through it all, she maintained a devout life of prayer.

With Vatican approval, she became a nun in 1977, though she remained in her hospital bed at Riverdale Hospital (now known as Bridgepoint Health) for 24 years. Word spread of her condition and soon, the lineup of visitors extended well outside her door, both to visit and seek spiritual direction. Thousands of people, mostly of Italian heritage, came to visit Sr. Carmelina while others sought counselling over the phone. She impacted the lives of thousands before her death at the age of 55 in 1992.

The official inquiry into her cause for sainthood has begun. For more information on the process, refer to the Archdiocese of Toronto backgrounder on saints.

If you have information that would be helpful in moving forward Sr. Carmelina’s case for sainthood, please contact the following individuals:

• Deacon Joe DiGrado (905) 876-9486 jocadigrado@yahoo.ca (English inquiries)
• Sr. Valiriana (416) 243-1722 (Italian inquiries)

For all those inspired and touched by the life of Sr. Carmelina Tarantino, we give thanks to God for her shining example of courage, care and faith.

Media Advisory – Archdiocese of Toronto Opens Official Inquiry into Sainthood for Toronto Nun, Sr. Carmelina Tarantino – March 16, 2009

Background Information – Making Saints & Relics – Click here for more information on the process involved on the road to sainthood.

Letter from Archbishop Thomas Collins - Letter from Archbishop Thomas Collins to Priests re: Sr. Carmelina - January 12, 2009

Newspaper Articles

• Our First Toronto Saint? - Toronto Star, August 12, 2007 by Leslie Scrivener
• Was ailing nun the first saint in Toronto? - Toronto Star, March 15, 2009 by Leslie Scrivener
• Local Nun Eyed for Sainthood - Toronto Sun - March 20, 2009 by Brett Clarkson
• Toronto nun considered for sainthood- National Post - March 21, 2009 - by Charles Lewis
• Toronto nun, who touched many, considered for sainthood - The Globe & Mail - March 21, 2009 by Shvian Micoo
• First step for Toronto "saint" - Toronto Star - March 22, 2009 by Tyler Hamilton

Other Resources:

• On the Cross with a Smile – book recounting the life of Sr. Carmelina, written by Gabriele Cingolani, translated by Anna Marie Alonzi Vona. To order a copy of the book, contact:
  
  Passionist Sisters of St. Paul of the Cross
  "Mother of Holy Hope"
  178 Steeles Avenue East
  Thornhill ON L3T 1A5
  (905) 882-1308
  

O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
in your providential love you chose that
Sr. Carmelina Tarantino of the Cross may be intimately united
to the suffering of your beloved Son of the Cross,
and that, filled with apostolic zeal, she might offer with joy her life,
as a holocaust for your glory and the salvation of souls.

We humbly ask you to glorify her in your Church on earth.
We implore you through her intercession to grant us the grace we ask in faith.