The Basics: Born February 2, 1467, in Italy; died May 20, 1501, in Italy; beatified February 25, 1625, by Urban VIII; feast day, May 20; woman religious; mystic.
The Story: It was an auspicious beginning. As the baby named Angelella was being baptized, a 
dove flew to the baptismal font. From that day on, she would be known as Colomba (“dove”).
Legend has it that Colomba’s fascination with self-mortification began early; it’s said that when she was three, she put thorn branches under her sheet, and two years later she made a horse hair shirt. Like Catherine of Siena, she offered lengthy fasts (and also like Catherine of Siena, she cut off her hair to show family she had no intention of entering into a planned marriage).
Colomba became a Dominican tertiary, and eventually took religious vows. Her wisdom and piety were known far and wide, and like her contemporary Lucy of Narni, cities vied to be her home. (She had another connection to Lucy; when the authenticity of the latter’s stigmata were questioned in 1499, Colomba weighed in on the “yes” side.)
Legend has it that Colomba’s prayers and sacrifices resulted in an abatement of the plague in Perugia in 1494 (she was felled herself, but recovered). She also faced down allegations of witchcraft, had problems within her religious community at times, being removed as prioress at one point but then was reinstated.
Colomba’s Wisdom: “Lord, my sweet Lord, receive me.” (Her last words)
What We Can Learn from Colomba: Catherine of Siena inspired her. Her wisdom helped Blessed Lucy of Narni. The interrelationships among the saints are fascinating. We are among saints right now… or are seen as saints-in-the-making by others. How can we deepen those relationships to honor Christ even more?
To Learn More About Colomba: Read The Lives of Saint Rose of Lima, the Blessed Colomba of Rieti, and of St. Juliana Falconieri.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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