The Basics: Birthdate unknown in Italy; died about 399 in Italy; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 27. Laywoman; philanthropist.
The Story: It was a complicated life, full of twists and turns. Fabiola, born into a noble family, first was married to a man who proved to be so violent that she sought and was granted a civil divorce. She then married
a second time before her ex-husband died, something that was against Church conventions of the time. On the Holy Saturday following the death of her second husband, she went to the basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome wearing sackcloth and publicly confessed her sin. Returned to the Church by the pope, Fabiola then used her vast resources to help the poor and sick, often serving people herself. A few years before she died, she spent time in Bethlehem studying scripture with St. Jerome. Church infighting contributed to her return to Rome, where she helped to fund a shelter for the pilgrims coming the the city.
What We Can Learn from Fabiola: With the Lord, it is always possible to begin anew. What offense have you committed that you believe to be unpardonable? Pray on it, and consider meeting with a priest or spiritual director.
To Learn More About Fabiola: Read St. Jerome’s eulogy about this remarkable woman.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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