Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Emilia Bicchieri

The Basics: Born in May 3, 1238, in Italy; died May 3, 1314, in Italy; beatified August 19, 1769, by Clement XIV; feast day, August 19. Woman religious.

The Story: The signs were all there that God had a special plan for Emilia Bicchieri. It’s said that her pregnant mother had a dream of a woman dressed in white, surrounded by other women dressed similarly, all in church. A priest said that meant the baby would become a saint.

There are conflicting stories about when Emilia’s mother died, but there is general agreement that she was the favorite of her nobleman

father’s seven daughters. Where they focused on beauty and society, Emilia from a young age was singing psalms and contemplating a statue of the Blessed Virgin. Unlike her sisters, she resisted entreaties to marry. Finally, when she was seventeen, Emilia’s father began construction of a convent for her, with the idea it would be a place for her to pray and do good works. He died not long after–another indication of worldly support being removed from her life–but plans for the convent continued. Emilia’s desire was that the women would follow the Dominican practices, and indeed, the convent eventually became associated with the Third Order Dominicans, and Emilia and more than thirty other women became women religious in 1257.

Emilia was elected prioress, and, regarding herself as unworthy, served humbly and sensitively. Her own relationship with the Lord continued to be enriched, with ecstasies and other mystical experiences. She lived a good, long life, dying on her seventy-sixth birthday.

Emilia’s Wisdom: “Do everything for God alone.”

What We Can Learn from Emilia: Emilia could have become bitter at the loss of her parents, or overwhelmed by being thrust into her community’s top leadership role. Instead, she trusted the Lord. Is there somewhere that you are questioning His plan rather than embracing it?

To Learn More About Emilia: Take a look at the Order of Preachers, Independent, Third Order (Dominicans) biography about her.

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.