adapted by Jillian Cooke from the necrology of the Fr. Kolbe Missionaries
Amelia was born in Bologna, Italy, on February 20, 1933, the second child of Alda and Antonio Benfenati. She was baptized a few days later, and received her confirmation in the Cathedral in 1941. While still a teenager she began to spend time at the MI Center at the Basilica of San Francesco. During her years in highschool the desire to be consecrated totally to the Lord according to the MI spirit, began to grow in her heart. The years of preparation began under the guidance of Father Luigi Faccenda.
On October 11, 1954, Amelia, Paola Pierantoni and Anita Nerozzi began the Fr. Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata. Of course, it was not called this at first. They began with only a few things carried in a horse drawn carriage to a small apartment, but the spirit was there!
On October 19, 1957 she and five other women made their profession in the little chapel of the House of the
Immaculata. In these early years she had many responsibilities, ranging from being a student at the university to being vice-general directress of the young Institute.
In January 1969, Amelia was appointed local directress of the community to be established in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
She would spend the next fourteen years of her life serving the people of Argentina. Then, in 1983, she was sent with the young American novice, Ann O'Donnell, to open a mission in the United States. It was here in California that Amelia was finally able to profess her perpetual vows, as the Institute had become a Secular Institute of Diocesan Right. In her letter of request, she wrote:
She would spend the next fourteen years of her life serving the people of Argentina. Then, in 1983, she was sent with the young American novice, Ann O'Donnell, to open a mission in the United States. It was here in California that Amelia was finally able to profess her perpetual vows, as the Institute had become a Secular Institute of Diocesan Right. In her letter of request, she wrote:
"...This request of mine gives me the opportunity to declare once again that I want to live and to die as a Fr. Kolbe Missionary of the Immaculata, while working in the place and activity that God and the Immaculata will show to me through obedience." (August 13, 1985, West Covina, California)
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In September 1993 she moved permanently back to Italy. In the General Assembly of 1994 she was once again elected as vice-general directress. From 2000-2003 she was the directress of the Central House of the Institute. She fulfilled these services with simple generosity, while continuing many other apostolic and community works.
In August 2005 Amelia was diagnosed with a malignant tumor already advanced. On November 29th, she received annointing of the sick. On December 6, 2005 she participated at a Holy mass for the last time, in her bedroom, celebrated by Father James McCurry, OFM Conv, former National Director of the Militia of the Immaculata in the United States.
On Decembber 14, after a long agony, she entered eternity.
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