Serva di Dio
MOTHER M. RICCARDA BEAUCHAMP HAMBROUGH, O.SS.S.
Mother M. Riccarda Beauchamp Hambrough was born in London on the 10th September 1887. She completed her first studies at the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Convent in England, where she also attended courses in singing and music. After coming to know of the experience of Blessed Elizabeth through Fr. Benedict Williamson, in 1914 she transferred herself definitely to Rome to be close to Blessed Elizabeth, becoming her disciple and faithful companion in her movements in the city of Rome and abroad. In 1918 she made her Final Religious Profession in the House of Via Corsica. She took up various assignments of responsibility and in 1923 we find her in Stockholm for the inauguration of the first Bridgettine Foundation in Sweden since the Protestant Reformation. Returning to Rome in 1924, she moved from Via delle Isole to Piazza Farnese in 1931 where she remained till her death.

From 1931 to 1966, the Servant of God, in silence and constant attention to the Mother, was along with the latter, the true protagonist of the life and growth of the new Bridgettine family.

In 1935 she was back in Sweden for the opening of the House in Vadstena. She also accompanied Mother Elizabeth when the Mother presented the 1940 Constitutions to Pope Pius XII for approval and renewed the petition that the new Foundation be named Order of the Most Holy Saviour. On the 24th April 1957 Mother Riccarda witnessed the passing away of Blessed Elizabeth and a year later, on the 3rd May 1958, she was elected the first Abbess General after the Foundress, a position she held until 1964. She died in the House of Piazza Farnese on the 26th June 1966 in odour of sanctity.

A women of Prayer, with lovable traits and behaviour, her life was a constant meditation on the mystery of God, the only light that illuminated the silence of her prayers and the endless hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. She willingly accepted pain and suffering. She ruled the Order in difficult times, always with great kindness and attention, standing out as a pious Mistress of the novices, a vigilant Superior and a thoughtful Sister. As Mother General she was able to incorporate the prophecy of the Blessed Elizabeth with the signs of renewal of Vatican II, which was concluded just a year before her death.

Prayer for the Beatification of the Servant of God Mother M. Richard Beauchamp Hambrough, O.SS.S (1887-1966)

We thank you, Lord,
because You have moulded a simple
and generous heart in your Servant Richard,
capable of total confidence
and heroic adhesion to Your project of life.
Grant to us,
who venerate her memory,
that we may follow in her steps,
and have her as a sister and as an advocate
before Your throne of mercy.
Glory be... 3 times

In the event of graces granted through the intercession of the Servant of God you are kindly asked to inform:
Motherhouse
Piazza Farnese 96 - 00186, Roma
Tel. 06 68892596
E-mail: econ.09@brigidine.org