Set the scene.
Born in 1862, Virginia learnt lace-making to contribute to the family income. After primary school she travelled to Victoria for private lessons in Italian and French.
Here’s the twist.
She entered religious formation in 1881. Taking the name Margherita, she later accepted responsibility for a congregation threatened by serious financial problems in 1887.
Why it still matters.
She served as superior-general for twenty-seven years. Around two hundred surviving letters preserve her voice: leadership history can be found in correspondence as well as official titles.
🧠 One to think about +
What does this story change about the way you see Malta today? Pick one detail you’d tell a friend — then check its source below.