The Basics: Born about 1282 in France; died November 26, 1358, in France; beatified in 1694; feast day, December 9. Wife, lay Franciscan.
The Story: Today, we might call Delphina spunky, and her faith and spunk certainly inspired others.
The child was orphaned shortly after birth and was raised under the guidance of uncles as well as an aunt who was an abbess. Given her pedigree, the decision was made to betroth her to a count, Elzear. The wedding occurred when Delphina as fifteen and Elzear was thirteen. She didn’t tell him until their wedding night that she had consecrated her virginity to Christ. Rather than cast her out, Elzear listened to her story and asked questions, and had somewhat of a conversion experience himself. He accepted her plan and agreed to do the same himself. The couple became lay followers of St. Francis of Assisi. (Elzear was canonized by his godson, Pope Urban V, in 1369.)
While both came under some scorn for their decisions, others listened to their story and saw the Spirit-filled humility that permeated their lives, in particular the royalty they served, King Robert the Wise and Queen Sanchia of Sicily. Indeed, it is said that after both of their husbands had died, the queen and Delphina became women religious in Naples, Delphina having sold off all her worldly goods and donating the proceeds to the poor.
Delphina’s Wisdom: “My God, may Thy most holy will be done!”
What We Can Learn from Delphina: Speaking truth can be difficult. Sometimes, we’ll be ridiculed. But as Delphina’s story shows, sometimes our words and actions light a fire in others.
To Learn More About Delphina: Read her story in These Made Peace by Peter F. Anson.
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.
