Note: For the next several weeks, I’m featuring women with a connection to the Americas.
The Basics: Born April 11, 1919, in Brazil; died June 15, 1931, in Brazil; feast day, June 15; beatified October 20, 2007, by Benedict XVI; laywoman.
The Story: Albertina was faithful throughout her short life. She grew up on a farm, part of a large family,
and her brothers were not always kind, teasing her and sometimes being physical abusive. Through it all, she was pleasant and loving. The child loved her prayer time, calling her First Communion at age nine “the most beautiful day of my life.”
Albertina’s giving nature extended to the larger community. One day when she was trying to find a runaway animal, she asked a man nearby, a former employee of her father and someone to whom she had given food, if he had seen which direction the creature had gone. The man misled her and when they were alone, attempted to rape her. When she fought him off, he proceeded to cut her throat. The man initially blamed someone else for Albertina’s death, but ultimately confessed and died after a few years in prison.
What We Can Learn from Albertina: One might say the lesson is to be wary of people who would harm us. While that is true, it’s also important to keep in mind that Albertina continually forgave her brothers for bad behavior. So perhaps the larger lesson this beautiful young woman gives us is to forgive as the Lord forgives us.
To Learn More About Albertina: Check out the site for her beatification, maintained by a priest.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
