Wednesday’s Woman: St. Geltrude Comensoli

The Basics: Born January 18, 1847, in Italy; died February 18, 1903, in Italy; canonized April 26, 2009, by Benedict XVI; feast day, February 18. Woman religious.

The Story: From the time she was very young, Geltrude, born Caterina Comensoli, was drawn to the Eucharist and to adoration, spending time in worship before the Blessed Sacrament. Health andsaints_geltrudecomensoli_various20150215 family issues kept her from becoming a woman religious until she was in her thirties. Geltrude then joined forces with Father Francesco Spinelli to form what would become the Sacramentine Sisters of Bergamo, Italy, focused on Eucharistic adoration and serving the poor. The congregation continues today, with sisters in seven countries on four continents.

Geltrude’s Wisdom: “Jesus Christ lives in our midst to be close to and ready to help us always.”

What We Can Learn from Geltrude: What wisdom to remember on Ash Wednesday, that Christ is always close. Consider where he is waiting to help you with a particular challenge. You may be surprised.

To Learn More About Geltrude: More information about Geltrude and the work done today by the Sacramentine Sisters is available at the congregation’s Web site.

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.

By Melanie

Melanie Rigney is the author of Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century and other Catholic books. She is a contributor to Living Faith and other Catholic blogs. She lives in Arlington, Virginia. Melanie also owns Editor for You, a publishing consultancy that since 2003 has helped hundreds of writers, publishers, and agents.

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