The Basics: Born 341 or 342 in Spain; died circa 439 in what is now Israel; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, June 8. Mother, widow, desert mother. The Story: Melania’s story is complicated. She lost her husband and two sons when she was in her early twenties and living in Rome and its environs. It was after these… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Melania the Elder
Category: Sisterhood of Saints
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Karlowska
The Basics: Born September 4, 1865, in Poland; died March 24, 1935, in Poland; beatified June 6, 1997, by John Paul II; feast day, June 6. Woman religious; social worker. The Story: Maria learned a seamstress’s trade in Berlin, then joined her sister’s sewing and embroidery shop back in what is now Poland’s Pomeranian area. It was… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Karlowska
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mariana de Jesus de Paredes
The Basics: Born October 31, 1618, in Ecuador; died May 26, 1645, in Ecuador; canonized 1950 by Pius XII; feast day, May 26. Mystic, hermit. The Story: The woman known as the Lily of Quito lost her parents when she was just four, and was raised by an older sister. At a young age, Mariana wanted to enter… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mariana de Jesus de Paredes
Wednesday’s Woman: St. Rita of Cascia
The Basics: Born 1381 in Italy; died May 22, 1457, in Italy; canonized May 24, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII; feast day, May 22. Wife, mother, woman religious. The Story: Rita’s life was marked by deep pain–and peace. Her 18 years in an arranged marriage were troubled. Her husband was unfaithful and abused her physically. Their two… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Rita of Cascia