The Basics: Born 341 or 342 in Spain; died circa 439 in what is now Israel; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, June 8. Mother, widow, desert mother.
The Story: Melania’s story is complicated. She lost her husband and two sons when she was in her early twenties and living in Rome and its environs. It was after these deaths that she converted to Christianity. A few years later, she named a guardian for her remaining son, who was about ten at the time, and left for Alexandria, where she joined a group of ascetics. Her activities there included the foundation of a monastery. A dispute arose within her community; Rufinus, who had become her spiritual director, was condemned for the heretical statements in the writings of one of his teachers. Melania herself was not condemned, but her reputation was somewhat tainted by her association with
Rufinus.
She returned to Rome about 390, concerned about family issues and the split in the desert community. While in Rome, her spirituality, characterized by hospitality and a love of learning, deeply influenced her granddaughter. The granddaughter, also named Melania, would go on to be regarded as one of the greatest religious philanthropists of all time. (The two are called Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger to distinguish between the two, not because of any religious title the grandmother held.) Melania eventually returned to the Middle East, stopping to meet with St. Augustine of Hippo in what today is Algeria.
Melania’s Wisdom: Melania was jailed briefly because her style of dress was so simple that an authority believed her to be a servant to exiled priests and bishops who were not allowed that luxury. Her response to him was: “For my part, I am so and so’s daughter, and so and so’s wife, but I am the slave of Christ. Do not despise the cheapness of my clothing. For I am able to exalt myself if I like and you cannot terrify me in this way, or take any of my goods.”
What We Can Learn from Melania: Melania’s faith and simplicity sparked a fire in her granddaughter. Consider taking some time in the coming week to be with a younger relative or friend. Don’t preach; just listen and let Christ reflect himself through you.
To Learn More About Melania: Traditio in 1947 had a wonderful article on this saint. (A free registration is required to review it.) In addition, the Orthodox Church in America, which also honors Melania, has a biography of her.
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.
