Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Alix Le Clerc

The Basics: Born February 2, 1576, in France; died January 9, 1622, in France; beatified May 4, 1947, by Pius XII; feast day, January 9; woman religious. The Story: Born into a prosperous family, Alix wanted for little as she was growing up. Then in her early twenties, she experienced a conversion moment when an illness resulted… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Alix Le Clerc

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Benvenuta Bojani

The Basics: Born May 4, 1254, in Italy; died October 30, 1292, in Italy; beatified February 6, 1763, by Clement XIV; feast day, October 30; lay woman. The Story: The story goes that Benvenuta’s father was somewhat disappointed to find he and his wife had had a seventh daughter, but shook it off quickly, proclaiming, “She too… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Benvenuta Bojani

Wednesday’s Woman: Saint Franca Visalta

The Basics: Born in 1170 in Italy; died in 1218 in Italy; cultus confirmed in 1273 by Gregory X; feast day, April 26; woman religious. The Story: Sometimes our spiritual rigor, regardless of how well intentioned, doesn’t sit well with others. Franca, the daughter of a family in the nobility, was sent to a Benedictine abbey when… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Saint Franca Visalta

Wednesday’s Woman: Saint Edith of Wilton

The Basics: Born about 961 in England; died September 16, 984, in England; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, September 16; woman religious. The Story: She lived inside the walls of Wilton Abbey nearly all her life, but Edith’s twenty-three years still intrigue us. Her father, King Edgar, carried off her mother, Wulfrida, from the abbey under circumstances that… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Saint Edith of Wilton