A Conversation with Mother Eletta: Founding Villa Raffaella
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Villa Raffaella, we are taking time to honor and reflect on the people, values, and spiritual vision that brought this community to life. Few have shaped that vision more than Mother Eletta, the founding Sister and ongoing spiritual presence of Villa Raffaella. Her leadership and dedication have touched countless lives and continue to guide the heart of our home today.
We’re honored to share Mother’s reflections as part of this anniversary series—stories that span continents, decades of service, and a profound commitment to faith-based care.
Opening Reflections
What inspired you and the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy to open Villa Raffaella 25 years ago?
Our Order had been operating Assisted Living Communities in Italy and other European countries for many years, so it was natural that we open a community here in South Jersey, where the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy had been providing nursing care to seniors for many years in the Diocese of Camden.
What was your vision for Villa Raffaella when it first opened in Pleasantville?
Our vision was to create a community which was truly committed to the concept of aging in place, which at that time was not the standard in most Assisted Living communities.
What do you remember most about those early days?
While we opened in 2000, we were in the planning and construction phases for 4 years prior. At that time, I was assigned to Bishop McCarthy Residence in Vineland, which meant that I would have to travel between there and Pleasantville almost daily, sometimes making the 45-minute trip one way multiple times in a day. While it was certainly a very busy time for all of the Sisters, as we planned and worked to bring Villa Raffaella to fruition—while still all working 60+ hour weeks at our assigned nursing facilities.
Faith and Founding
How did your faith and the charism of the Hospitaler Sisters guide you in creating this home?
The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy were established over 200 years ago in Italy as a nursing order which provided care for the poor and the sick. Over the years our mission has evolved and grown, so it was fitting that we build Villa Raffaella in South Jersey where we had started our first international mission back in 1966.
What does it mean to you that the Villa was named in honor of Blessed Maria Raffaella Cimatti?
She is a shining example of dedication to our Lord, and to our mission to care for others. During WWII she nursed the war wounded and personally interceded with the German Field Marshall at his headquarters in Alatri, Italy when rumors of bombing the city surfaced. Thanks to her efforts the city was spared. By naming Villa Raffaella after Blessed Maria Raffaella Cimatti we hope to follow in her footsteps and example.
How did prayer and spiritual discernment help guide your decisions during the founding process?
When the idea of Villa Raffaella first came into being, we spent many hours in prayerful reflection to decide if this was the right path for the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy. As we faced challenges and obstacles along the way, we always relied on prayer to guide us.
Challenges and Milestones
Were there any challenges you remember from those early years?
When we first opened our doors, we were completely filled from day one, so we didn’t get time to ease into operations. Also, since we Sisters all came from nursing home backgrounds, transitioning to providing Assisted Living services was a learning experience.
Can you recall a moment when you felt deeply assured that Villa Raffaella was fulfilling its mission?
Each time a resident or family member expresses how grateful they are to be part of our Villa Raffaella Family and how important being able to live out their lives in our Catholic faith-based community that promotes and enhances their quality of life.
Legacy and Leadership
How have you seen Villa Raffaella grow and change over time?
When we first opened in 2000, our resident capacity was 40. We quickly learned that the demand for our services exceeded our capacity, and 10 years after we first opened we completed an addition of an additional 15 resident suites as well as enlarging our chapel to better serve our residents, families, and community.
What has stayed the same—the parts of the mission or spirit that remain strong today?
Our mission is based on our commitment to human dignity and service to others. We strive to be role models of Gospel values in our commitment to the individual dignity of those for whom we provide care. Our intent is to offer supportive personal care and health services in an environment that promotes resident values.
At Villa Raffaella, we are dedicated to creating an environment that allows older adults to maintain control of their life choices: where dignity and independence is preserved by encouraging resident self-direction. Our primary goal is to promote resident decision-making and sense of control, so that his/her individuality, dignity, privacy, and independence is maintained.
This was our mission 25 years ago, and it remains our mission today.
How would you describe the role of the Sisters then and now in the day-to-day life of the Villa?
Our roles have evolved yet stayed the same. While we now have expanded our staff to include many wonderful lay persons, we Sisters remain involved in all aspects of our residents’ lives and care.
Personal Reflections
What are you most proud of when you think of your role in founding Villa Raffaella?
In 1966 I was one of four Sisters who came to America from Italy to start our first international missionary work. We did not speak a word of English. I could never have imagined then that 30 years later I would oversee the design, construction, and opening of this very special community. God has granted me a very special life.
Are there any particular residents, staff, or moments that hold a special place in your heart?
Each of our residents are special, but we have one resident who will be celebrating his 25th year at Villa Raffaella this summer. He is an example of our commitment to allowing our residents to age in place and providing them with quality care they need and deserve.
How has your own spiritual journey been shaped by your work at Villa Raffaella?
God has blessed me with the opportunities to share my life with those who may need my care. While I have now retired from my roles as a Registered Nurse and Executive Director, you can still find me at Villa Raffaella five days a week, helping in the business office, spending time with our residents, and greeting our visitors.
Looking Ahead
What are your hopes for the future of the Villa Raffaella community?
At Villa Raffaella we continually strive to ensure the best care for our residents. That’s why we recently worked so hard to earn our national accreditation from the Joint Commission. We are one of the few selected Assisted Living facilities in the country to have earned this recognition for our high quality of care. So, my hope is that we will continue to provide a loving faith-based community for our residents so that they may live their best lives.
Is there a message or blessing you would like to offer to the current residents, staff, or Sisters?
I want to thank our staff for their dedication and loving care they provide for our residents. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our residents’ family members and the community of Pleasantville who welcomed the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy many years ago. I want to express my sincere appreciation for each Sister who has joined me on the mission that God called us to.
God has blessed each one of us, and may our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Blessed Maria Raffaella Cimatti continue to guide us in this most special mission.
