CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte woman has a spiritual connection to a person beatified by Pope Francis.
In a recent decree, the pope recognized a miracle needed for the beatification of Armida Barelli, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order and the co-founder of the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ (SIM).
A pious woman ahead of her time, Barelli focused her talents, intellect and service to the Church in her native Italy during the early 20th century. And to Joy Barnes, Barelli exemplifies how Catholics today can pursue a religious vocation focused on hands-on service.
Barnes, a member of the Diocese of Charlotte Tribunal staff, is one of only 47 SIM community members in the United States and its only member in the Southeast.
As a consecrated secular, she has taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience but is not required to live in community. She has been a professed member of the secular institute for 15 years.
“We pursue our ministry in our daily lives,” Barnes explains. “We live the Franciscan charism, which is to be of service to others. For me, that is working in the tribunal. I help people work through the annulment process, which helps people receive the sacraments and restore their relationship to the Church.”
Born in Milan in 1882, Barelli translated German articles during World War I. Her work attracted the attention of Cardinal Andrea Ferrari, archbishop of Milan, who selected her to serve as vice president for social action for the Milan Committee of Catholic Women. In 1918 Barelli met Pope Benedict XV, who appointed her president of the National Girls Youth of Catholic Action. She held this position for the next 28 years.
In addition to her social service work, Barelli established the Third Order Franciscan Sisters of the Social Kingship of the Sacred Heart in 1919 and founded the Institute for Religious Vocations in 1920. In 1921, at the pope’s request, she established the Society of Friends of the Catholic University. Together with Franciscan
Father Agostino Gemelli, she co-founded SIM, which today has more than 2,800 members in more than 30 countries around the world.
Barelli became ill with bulbar palsy in 1949 and died Aug. 15, 1952, aged 69.
Barnes says that she, like Barelli, has been called to many positions in serving the Church. Over the years she has taught confirmation and served as a lector, cantor and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. She also trained altar servers and served as a sacristan for many years.
“I have always worked with liturgy, as far as my parishes were concerned,” she says.
Her work at the tribunal has been edifying. “My work with the tribunal is always directed toward bringing people to the sacraments, the heart of our faith, and dedicated to the salvation of souls,” she explains. “There’s nothing better than to spend my time and energy on. I consider it a blessing, I enjoy the work.”
“Armida was a formidable lady of heroic faith who dedicated her life to the service of God and left a lasting legacy of good works. We are very proud of her,” Barnes says.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. www.Aletia.org contributed.