Wednesday’s Woman: St. Melania the Younger

The Basics: Born about 383 in what is now Italy; died 439 in what is now Israel; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 31. Philanthropist. The Story: Some call Melania (not to be confused with her saintly grandmother, Melania the Elder) the greatest religious philanthropist of all time. The child of a Roman senator, Melania was married off… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Melania the Younger

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Vicentia Maria Lopez y Vicuna

The Basics: Born March 24, 1847, in Spain; died December 26, 1896 in Spain; canonized May 25, 1975, by Paul VI; feast day, December 26. Social worker; woman religious. The Story: When she was ten, Vicentia was sent to Madrid to live with her aunt Eulalia. Eulalia had already begun working with young girls who found themselves in… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Vicentia Maria Lopez y Vicuna

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Begga

The Basics: Born 615 in what is now Belgium; died 693 in what is now Belgium; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 17. Benefactoress, woman religious. The Story: If you lived in Begga’s time, you knew of her family, perhaps the way we’re all aware of advisers to the Bushes, the Clintons, the Kennedys and so on. Her… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Begga

Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mary Joseph Rossello

The Basics: Born May 27, 1811, in Italy; died December 7, 1880, in Italy; canonized June 12, 1949, by Pius XII; feast day, December 7. Woman religious, caregiver. The Story: Initially, money stood in the way of Mary Joseph’s vocation. She didn’t have enough money for a dowry, so she went to work for an invalid for… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: St. Mary Joseph Rossello