The Basics: Born about 1062 in France; died 1137 in France; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, February 24. Ruler; woman religious. The Story: Adela was exposed to power and its workings from birth: her father was William the Conqueror. When she was about eighteen, she married Stephen of Blois. It appears the marriage worked for them both; the couple… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Adela of Normandy
Tag: saints
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Teresa Casini
The Basics: Born October 27, 1864, in Italy; died April 3, 1937, in Italy; beatified October 31, 2015; feast day, October 29; woman religious. The Story: Books about saints are full of stories about women who were martyrs or who founded congregations that brought hope and support to those who live on society’s margin. Maria Teresa’s… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Teresa Casini
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Bolognesi
The Basics: Born October 21, 1924, in Italy; died January 30, 1980, in Italy; beatified September 7, 2013; feast day, January 30; laywoman; mystic. The Story: Maria’s life was seldom easy, even when she was a child. Her parents weren’t married when she was born, and she ultimately took the name of her stepfather. He was… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Maria Bolognesi
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Seraphina
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… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Seraphina