Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Colomba of Rieti

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… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Colomba of Rieti

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Alix Le Clerc

The Basics: Born February 2, 1576, in France; died January 9, 1622, in France; beatified May 4, 1947, by Pius XII; feast day, January 9; woman religious. The Story: Born into a prosperous family, Alix wanted for little as she was growing up. Then in her early twenties, she experienced a conversion moment when an illness resulted… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Alix Le Clerc

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Benvenuta Bojani

The Basics: Born May 4, 1254, in Italy; died October 30, 1292, in Italy; beatified February 6, 1763, by Clement XIV; feast day, October 30; lay woman. The Story: The story goes that Benvenuta’s father was somewhat disappointed to find he and his wife had had a seventh daughter, but shook it off quickly, proclaiming, “She too… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Benvenuta Bojani

Wednesday’s Woman: Saint Franca Visalta

The Basics: Born in 1170 in Italy; died in 1218 in Italy; cultus confirmed in 1273 by Gregory X; feast day, April 26; woman religious. The Story: Sometimes our spiritual rigor, regardless of how well intentioned, doesn’t sit well with others. Franca, the daughter of a family in the nobility, was sent to a Benedictine abbey when… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Saint Franca Visalta