Maria was born in a small medieval town known as Calabritto that is located in the region of Campania, just a couple hours away from the Amalfi Coast.
Calabritto sits on the side of Mount Cervialto at the altitude of 1890 feet, crossed by the Zagarone River and surrounded by beautiful vineyards, olive trees, chestnut trees, woodland and waterfalls. The surrounding mountains are homes of the three Holy Mothers: Maria SS Della Neve celebrated on August 5th, Maria SS Di Grienzi on July 4th and Maria SS Del Fiume on Easter Monday. Faithful Calabrittani men and women, of all ages, bring the three Holy Mother statues to town each year, carrying them on their shoulders for miles along the treacherous mountain roads. It’s a pilgrimage they make to commemorate the Holy Mothers.
Maria was born into a family of four brothers. Luigi, the second brother, joined God in 1959, at only seven months of age.
Maria started writing poetry at the age of 13. She graduated from high school with the Italian Albo D’oro (similar to Canadian high school).
On November 23rd, 1980, her beautiful town of Calabritto experienced a violent earthquake taking down years of history, killing and injuring hundreds of friends, family and neighbours. The 1980 earthquake was a tragedy that left thousands homeless and inconsolable, changing the destiny of many, including Maria. In February 1981 Maria joined her older brother Gerry in Canada.
Since then, Maria has studied the English language, graduating with her grade twelve certificate. She has also completed college and university courses.
In March 2017 Maria received a Professional Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Western Ontario’s Continuing Studies. In February 2018 Maria completed a course at the University of Western Ontario in Poetry which remains her primary passion.
Maria is active in her writing with a talented group of ladies called the Forest City Wordwrights.