Saint Virginia was born in Genoa, Italy, on April 2, 1587, into an aristocratic family that was deeply rooted in faith. From an early age, she felt a strong desire to dedicate her life to God through religious service. However, because of her family’s social position, she was compelled to enter into an arranged marriage at the age of fifteen. During this marriage, she became the mother of two daughters.
Her husband, who struggled with drinking and gambling, died after only five years. After his death, Saint Virginia devoted herself to raising her children while deepening her life of prayer and charity. Once her daughters had grown up, she committed herself entirely to serving others, especially the sick, the elderly, and those who had been abandoned.
In 1625, she founded a refuge for the poor in Genoa. As the number of people seeking help grew rapidly, she rented an unused convent in 1631. There, with the help of other women, she cared for the sick and also provided instruction in the faith, guiding them spiritually along with their charitable work.
Saint Virginia later built a church dedicated to Our Lady of Refuge. From her mission of service emerged two religious congregations: the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge on Mount Calvary and the Daughters of Our Lady on Mount Calvary.
After some time, she withdrew from the administration of these communities and chose a humble life of manual labor and begging for alms. Soon after, she was called back to leadership responsibilities. In the later years of her life, she experienced spiritual visions and inner inspirations.
Saint Virginia died in Genoa on December 15, 1651. She was canonized on May 18, 2003, and is remembered for her deep faith, humility, and lifelong dedication to serving those in need.