Caroline Cauchi

She is the only child of the Notary Nicolò Cauchi, from Victoria, Gozo and Theresa née Galea from Senglea, Malta. The family Cauchi was affluent, therefore Cauchi was sent off to school to continue her education, in spite of the fact that at the time girls received little education. Cauchi learned to write Italian well and she knew Latin as well. Above all she received an optimal Christian upbringing.

The first Dominican community, consisting of nine women, was established on 6 October 1889, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. These women, after taking part in the procession returned to the monastery and started to live as contemplative nuns. However, until this community was formally recognised and accepted by the Dominican Order in August 1893, the ideal was modified and they started to be known as a community of the Dominican Third Order.

A photo of the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel built by Nicolò Cauchi

Cauchi knew how to use the material goods she possessed for the glory of God and the good of humanity. She lived the spirit of poverty after the example of Our Mother Mary and Saint Dominic. At the beginning she frequently visited the Sisters but she never stayed at the monastery. During the summer she would often invite the Sisters for a vacation at her holiday house in Xlendi. She was pleased to see the Congregation growing in number and progressing in the apostolate. In fact, she confirmed her former dispositions in favour of the Monastery.[1]