Ludovica Torelli

A philanthropist, she was instrumental in the founding of two religious institutes for woman: the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul and the "Collegio della Guastalla"/"Daughters of Mary".

Twice-widowed by age twenty-five, Ludovica had to contend with covetous relatives eager to take over her possessions, who thought she should withdraw to a convent.

Incensed that she had spent a portion of her wealth on armed guards, the Torelli's of Montechiarugolo and Casei repeatedly attempted to ambush her.

The County of Guastalla, which she had inherited from her father, was laid claim to by another branch of the family, and the affair carried before Pope Clement VIII and Emperor Charles V, whereupon she settled the matter by disposing of her estates in October 1539 to condottiero Ferrante Gonzaga,[5] who needed a fortified port on the river from which to defend against the French.

Due to her friendship with Gonzaga, Ludovica was suspected of supporting proto-Protestant groups and she was called before the Holy Office.

In 1557, she instituted another community, also at Milan, for whom she built a house between the Roman and the Tosa gate, known as the "Collegio della Guastalla".

[6] Ludovica financed many good works in Milan, supported the newly established order of the Barnabites and was a patron of religious associations for women.