The Basics: Born in 1238 in Italy; died March 12, 1253 in Italy; never formally canonized; feast day, March 12; laywoman.
The Story: Seraphina’s early years were much like those of other girls in the town of San Gimignano. She was born into a family of the nobility that had fallen into hard times. The child learned to sew and spin to help with household funds. What was perhaps unusual was that she gave away half her meager rations to people who had even less than she did.
The last five or so years of her life, however, were anything but typical. About the time her father died, Seraphina began experiencing severe illnesses, most likely a form of tuberculosis, that resulted in paralysis throughout her body. She chose to unite her suffering to that of Jesus on the cross, and chose to stay on a plank rather than a bed. Eventually, the plank became attached to her skin. Rats and other vermin took advantage of the situation and ate away at her skin. Even when Seraphina’s mother died, leaving her with little support other than one friend, the girl remained focused on the Lord. She also remained an admirer of St. 
Gregory the Great because of his worldly sufferings.
On March 4, 1253, St. Gregory the Great appeared to Seraphina, telling her she would find rest on his feast day, March 12. And indeed, it was that day that she died.
Seraphina’s Wisdom: “Dear Jesus, it is not my wounds that pain me but Thine.”
What We Can Learn from Seraphina: We may find some solace and relief in our earthly suffering in recalling what Christ suffered on our behalf. Consider praying for the strength to accept your burden.
To Learn More About Seraphina: Visit the site for the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Seraphina’s hometown of San Gimignano, where St. Gregory the Great appeared to her to foretell her death.
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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