Mercy When It Counts Most

Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there. He was about thirty-five years old, a Jesuit novice after eleven years of study. And he was never going to become a priest now. Instead, he, two of… Continue reading Mercy When It Counts Most

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata

The Basics: Born in 1562 in Italy; died December 15, 1617, in Italy; beatified September 21, 1828, by Leo XIII; feast day, December 15; wife, mother, woman religious. The Story: Maria’s life had been humming along just fine. Born into a wealthy family of nine children, she married at seventeen. Five children had been born into this… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Christina of Sommeln

The Basics: Born July 24, 1242, in Germany; died November 6, 1312, in Germany; beatified November 8, 1908, by Pius X; feast day, November 6; mystic. The Story: Christina is said to have had her first mystical encounter with Christ when she was just ten years old or possibly even younger. Three years later, she convinced her… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Christina of Sommeln

Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Francoise d’Amboise

The Basics: Born May 29, 1427, in France; died November 4, 1485, in France; beatified July 16, 1863, by Pius IX; feast day, November 4; wife; ruler; woman religious. The Story: Like so many others who have been canonized or beatified, Francoise by all accounts was a beautiful, pleasant child. She was born into a noble family… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Francoise d’Amboise