Sister Irene, a worthy daughter of Saint Joseph Allamano, understood the importance of silence, as the Holy Founder taught: that before speaking, it is necessary to measure one’s words, to reflect before speaking, and to act with prudence, for silence can be more eloquent than any speech. In Blessed Irene, silence was charity, patience, and humility.
Pope Francis insisted on the importance of using words correctly and emphasized the need to cultivate spaces of silence, so that the voice of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us can emerge. Often, our minds are occupied with worries, temptations, and desires; if we don’t learn to cherish the value of silence, even our speech risks becoming flawed, losing authenticity, balance, and the ability to communicate goodness.
“Words can be kisses, caresses, medicines, or knives, swords, bullets. With words we can speak well or speak ill; words can be closed walls or open windows.”
With these words, Pope Francis reminds us that when we lose the sense of silence, our communication loses its capacity to generate life. Words, rather than edifying, can hurt, divide, and mortify the dignity of others.
This is why the Pope affirms that not speaking ill of others is a gesture of profound respect, because the image of God shines in every person. Rediscovering daily silence means creating an interior space to let the Spirit regenerate us, console us, and guide us.
The same thought was expressed by Saint Joseph Allamano, who affirmed:
“Every word spoken without necessity, utility, or convenience is idle. When silence is transgressed, our speech is generally not edifying, but falls short now in charity, now in prudence, now in piety”
(St Joseph Allamano, 1914).
Allamano continues by emphasizing that silence should be observed when appropriate and that, before speaking, it is necessary to measure one’s words, reflect before speaking, and act with prudence, since silence can be more eloquent than any speech. In this regard, he recalls the teaching of St Ambrose, who urged us to be silent, or to speak only when we have better words than silence (St Joseph Allamano, 1919).
This teaching found concrete application in the life of Blessed Irene Stefani. Through attentive listening and a profound interiorization of Allamano’s spirituality, she understood the value of silence as an inner strength and an educational virtue. For Sister Irene, silence was not simply the absence of words, but the art of patiently awaiting the right moment to speak, act, or remain silent, so that every word and every gesture were authentically inspired by charity and prudence.
In her teaching, both in school and in catechism, when faced with mistakes or rejection from others, Sr. Irene preferred to respond with silence, patience, and a smile.
Rather than resorting to reprimands or hasty judgments, she waited for the right moment to act with charity, putting into practice the teaching of St Joseph Allamano on the art of guarding and measuring one’s words, or maintaining silence when necessary.
Recalling her example, Sr. Gian Paola Mina emphasizes how Sr. Irene maintained silence without ever complaining, even when called for inutile matters or false alarms that forced her to walk long distances.
With wise silence, she feared that a rebuke for trivial matters could alienate people in times of real need. As the Africans themselves observed, Sr Irene transformed every encounter into an opportunity to offer, at the right moment, a word of comfort or a thought directed toward Heaven, because her heart was filled with God.
This attitude emerged forcefully even when, in her role as a teacher, a local teacher tried to distance her by fomenting a revolt against her among the young students. Faced with the criticism, attacks, and hostility of the young people and the teacher,
Sr Irene chose not to respond with harshness or assertiveness, but with silence, prayer, and humility. She would withdraw, simply saying words like “Deo gratias !” , “correct me,” or “I ask forgiveness . “
Rediscovering Sr. Irene today means understanding the relevance of a silence capable of nurturing relationships and building community. Her thoughtful words drew their power from the long and patient listening that preceded them, transforming each time into an authentic language of love for those who needed it most.
In an age often dominated by superfluous noise and verbal impulsiveness, the example of Blessed Irene reminds us that words generate life only when they arise from a heart inhabited by God. Then silence is no longer simply the absence of voice, but becomes the highest expression of love.
By Postulation
To learn more about Blessed Irene Stefani, click here.
