OUR FOUNDERS

Carlo Tancredi Falletti, Marquis of Barolo, was born in Turin on 26 October 1782. From an early age, he distinguished himself for his intelligence, disposition towards justice, nobility of sentiments, concern for the needs of the times and the strong tendency to promote and to do much good. At the court of Napoleon – as a page of the Emperor – he met Giulia Colbert, daughter of the Marquis of Maulevrièr, born on June 26, 1786, a woman gifted with exquisite femininity and genuine spirituality.

                                    

It was love at first sight and their marriage was celebrated at Versailles August 18, 1806. Although very different in temperament and character, they found themselves in harmony with the profound values and ideals of life. The affection they felt for each other became purer and stronger over time because it was based on faith and charity.

Though they were not blessed with the gift of children, the two spouses read this painful event within the providential design of the “inscrutable wisdom of God”. The profound experience of Divine Providence and Merciful love led them to read the signs of their times. They not only open their hearts but their palace to welcome the poor of the city of Turin so as to help them in their necessities, but above all to reveal to them the love and mercy of the Father and their dignity as children of God.                                                      

                            

Carlo Tancredi held offices of a certain political importance: he was decurion and mayor of Turin, making concrete choices in favour of the integral development of his fellow citizens specially pauperism and illiteracy as the two principal wounds of the society of his time. He devoted himself mainly to the education, instruction and training of children and young people. 

His vision went beyond providing shelter; he desired to nurture their minds, form their hearts and offer them the opportunity to grow in a loving and protective atmosphere. He institutes in his palace “kindergarten classrooms” on the model of those already functioning in France, opened elementary schools, created new green areas, restructured at his own expense the prison for women.  

Giulia devoted herself in a particularly remarkable way to the care and rehabilitation of prisoners. She visited them regularly, established personal relationships with them, and helped them experience the compassionate love of God the Father, who never abandons His children but lovingly cares for each of His creatures. Deeply moved by the harsh conditions in which prisoners lived, she courageously brought their plight to the attention of the Government and worked tirelessly to transform prisons from places of punishment into places of rehabilitation, human dignity and redemption.

Carlo Tancredi and Giulia founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann of Providence on  10 December, 1834, entrusting its members with the mission of continuing this work of love and service within the Church. Their shared commitment reflected a profound conviction: that caring for children and educating the younger generations was not merely a charitable activity, but a sacred mission entrusted to them by God.

Carlo Tancredi died on 4 September 1838 in Chiari (Brescia), in the loving arms of his wife. Though deeply grieved by his loss, Giulia courageously continued the mission they had begun together, remaining faithful to their shared vision of serving the poorest and most vulnerable until her death on 19 January 1864.

The love of God, on which they founded their lives, continues to shine even today through their works. Their journey reminds us that holiness can be lived in the ordinary realities of family life, public service and commitment to the poor. The causes for their canonization are underway, with the hope that one day Carlo Tancredi and Giulia may be proclaimed Blessed together, offering the Church and the world a beautiful example of holiness lived as a couple.