The Basics: Born February 6, 1452, in Portugal; died May 12, 1490, in Portugal; beatified in 1693 by Innocent XII. Laywoman; princess. The Story: Joana spent much of her royal life saying no. The daughter of Portugal’s King Afonso V and his first wife, Isabel, Joana was the heir presumptive upon birth because her older brother had… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Joana of Portugal
Tag: women saints
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart (Maria Droste zu Vischering)
The Basics: Born September 8, 1863, in Germany; died June 8, 1899, in Portugal; beatified November 1, 1975; feast day, June 8. Woman religious; mystic. The Story: Her early life was a mix of seeming contradictions. Maria Droste zu Vischering was born along with a twin brother into a wealthy noble family. Her health was a matter… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart (Maria Droste zu Vischering)
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Catalina de Maria Rodriguez
The Basics: Born November 27, 1823, in Argentina; died April 5, 1896, in Argentina; beatified November 25, 2017; feast day, November 27. Wife; woman religious. The Story: This newly beatified woman was born Saturnina Rodriguez, into a politically prominent family. When she was still in her teens, she took a course in Jesuit spirituality and discerned the need… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Catalina de Maria Rodriguez
Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Itala Mela
The Basics: Born August 28, 1904, in Italy; died April 29, 1957, in Italy; beatified June 10, 2017; feast day, April 28. Mystic. The Story: Itala was just nine when her brother died suddenly. “After his death, nothing,” she later wrote. She found no immediate comfort in her faith; both her parents were atheists, and while Itala… Continue reading Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Itala Mela