Around 15 years old, Teresa began to suffer from a series of illnesses that required repeated hospitalizations, first in Chiavari and later in Genoa: “an internship” which would last 20 years and which would prepare her for the mission assigned to her by Providence.
When she was in Genoa, Teresa often stopped to pray fervently before the statue of Saint Dominic, in the Church of Santa Maria di Castello, confidently entrusting her needs to him.
From the doctors Teresa did not receive words of hope for her future, yet in her heart she felt the certainty of having a mission to accomplish: dedicating herself to the care of many little girls she had seen alone and abandoned like her.
At the Pammatone hospital, in Genoa, she met Antonietta Cervetto; the two became close friends and began to share the dream of welcoming and caring for abandoned girls.
In 1857, upon leaving the hospital, they decided to begin this work, even though they possessed nothing but “four coins and a saucepan”. But with an unshakable faith in Divine Providence they welcomed, already in the autumn of 1863, the first two girls abandoned on the road, thus giving birth in Genoa to the Little House of Divine Providence.

Over time the work grew. A more suitable home became necessary, as well as a secure future for the orphans, who now numbered one hundred. In 1867, the community moved to Villa Spinola—today Villa Croce—in the Carignano district.
During this period, Teresa experienced a decisive encounter in her life: that with the Dominican friar, Fr. Vincenzo Vera.
Teresa recognized in him the guidance given to her by Saint Dominic. Fr Vera, in fact, immediately perceived the greatness of Teresa’s soul, recognized the Dominican spirit in her and the importance of her project. The Archbishop of Genoa appointed him Director of the Institute, a role he would fulfil for over forty years, even renouncing more prestigious positions.
In 1870 Teresa, Antonietta and other companions receveid the habit of Dominican Tertiaries, under the guidance of Father Vera, and in 1871 they professed religious vows together with other companions.
On 25 March 1879, the Little House obtained official recognition from ecclesiastical authority as a community of diocesan right.
Although nearing the age of eighty and physically weakened, Mother Teresa continued to tirelessly care of her “queens”, the girls of the House, with love and small gifts. Mother Teresa died on the evening of Thursday, 7 May 1908, while the sisters present, after singing the Salve Regina, recited the Litany of the Saints.
The deep emotion and widespread participation at her funeral testify to the great esteem in which this humble nun was held by the people of Genoa. This bond was not broken by death; rather, it grew stronger. The faithful began to venerate her, firmly believing in her help from Heaven and convinced that Mother Teresa continues to stand beside them, interceding with God.

In 1990 the Congregation founded by Mother Teresa Solari merged into the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Today, in Genoa, the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena continues Mother Teresa’s work by caring for boys and girls in difficulty through a residential educational community and a day centre. Thus, Mother Teresa’s promise is fulfilled: “Even if my Sisters should disappear, the Little House will never disappear.”

Today, reflection has begun on the possibility that Mother Teresa Solari’s reputation for holiness may be formally recognized by the Church.

Over time the work grew. A more suitable home became necessary, as well as a secure future for the orphans, who now numbered one hundred. In 1867, the community moved to Villa Spinola—today Villa Croce—in the Carignano district.
During this period, Teresa experienced a decisive encounter in her life: that with the Dominican friar, Fr. Vincenzo Vera.
Teresa recognized in him the guidance given to her by Saint Dominic. Fr Vera, in fact, immediately perceived the greatness of Teresa’s soul, recognized the Dominican spirit in her and the importance of her project. The Archbishop of Genoa appointed him Director of the Institute, a role he would fulfil for over forty years, even renouncing more prestigious positions.
In 1870 Teresa, Antonietta and other companions receveid the habit of Dominican Tertiaries, under the guidance of Father Vera, and in 1871 they professed religious vows together with other companions.
On 25 March 1879, the Little House obtained official recognition from ecclesiastical authority as a community of diocesan right.
Although nearing the age of eighty and physically weakened, Mother Teresa continued to tirelessly care of her “queens”, the girls of the House, with love and small gifts. Mother Teresa died on the evening of Thursday, 7 May 1908, while the sisters present, after singing the Salve Regina, recited the Litany of the Saints.
The deep emotion and widespread participation at her funeral testify to the great esteem in which this humble nun was held by the people of Genoa. This bond was not broken by death; rather, it grew stronger. The faithful began to venerate her, firmly believing in her help from Heaven and convinced that Mother Teresa continues to stand beside them, interceding with God.

In 1990 the Congregation founded by Mother Teresa Solari merged into the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Today, in Genoa, the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena continues Mother Teresa’s work by caring for boys and girls in difficulty through a residential educational community and a day centre. Thus, Mother Teresa’s promise is fulfilled: “Even if my Sisters should disappear, the Little House will never disappear.”

Today, reflection has begun on the possibility that Mother Teresa Solari’s reputation for holiness may be formally recognized by the Church.