Wednesday’s Woman: St. Flora of Beaulieu

The Basics: Born about 1309 in France; died in 1347 in France; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, October 5. Woman religious; mystic.

The Story: Flora grew up in a household full of people and likely noise. In addition to their own ten children, her parents raised nine nieces

and nephews! From an early age, Flora’s love of God was evident, and so her parents were not surprised when at fourteen or so, she asked permission to join a local Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem convent rather than marry. (Three of her sisters were already women religious in the community.)

Flora’s yes to God brought her some misery, and depression. The other women religious were often unkind to her, and on at least one occasion, she was beset by a demon. She also was blessed with levitations, ecstasies, and bleeding. Her confessor provided spiritual support during these times. The Lord showed His love for her by working miracles through her, including at one point turning what was said to be bread stashed within her cloak to beautiful flowers.

What We Can Learn from Flora: Those around us won’t always understand the Lord’s plan for us, and may ridicule us for our yes to Him. May we let those slings and arrows bounce off us, knowing He has a plan for us.

To Learn More About Flora: Read her biography at the site for the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta.

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.