The Basics: Born March 3, 1861, in Italy; died November 21, 1930 in Italy; beatified November 3, 2018; feast day, November 21. Woman religious.
The Story: Clelia’s story is one of humility and unjust judgment. Her life had begun so positively, born into a wealthy family, which afforded her a good education and financial security. However, she was grieved by her industrialist father’s turn away from faith. Indeed, she sometimes put a pebble in her shoe to atone for his offenses.
All seemed well when Clelia was in her thirties. With the help of a spiritual adviser, in 1894, she founded the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of
By ASCJ.Roma [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
But then, the community experienced severe financial troubles. While the problem was a dishonest advisor, Clelia herself was blamed. She was removed from her leadership role, and in 1916, was forced to leave entirely. After a dozen years in the desert, she was allowed to return, spending her final two years back with the sisters and community she so loved.
Clelia’s Wisdom: “How can I become holy? By doing as best I can everything that will be asked of me each day.”
What We Can Learn from Clelia: Being wrongly accused and separated from those we love threatens to kill the Spirit. May we always remember that the Lord knows us and the truth, and to look to Him for the only comfort we truly need.
To Learn More About Clelia: Visit her beatification site, or the U.S. Province for her community, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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.
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