Saint of the Day: Bl. Lucia of Settefonti

(d. Twelfth Century)

Her life

+ Little is known of the life of Blessed Lucia.

+ After entering the Camaldolese Benedictine monastery of Santa Cristina in Ozzana Emilia, Italy, she was elected to serve as abbess of the community. 

+ Known for her personal piety and as a kind and wise leader of the community, Blessed Lucia died in the twelfth century. 

+ The relics of Blessed Lucia were transferred to the church of Sant’Adrea di Ozzana in 1573 and devotion to this holy woman was confirmed by Pope Pius VI in 1779. 

For prayer and reflection

“The Church gives thanks for all the manifestations of the feminine ‘genius’ which have appeared in the course of history, in the midst of all peoples and nations; she gives thanks for all the charisms that the Holy Spirit distributes to women in the history of the People of God, for all the victories which she owes to their faith, hope, and charity: she gives thanks for all the fruits of feminine holiness.”—Pope Saint John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem

Spiritual Bonus

On November 7, we also remember Blessed Athony Baldinucci. A Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to preaching parish missions across Italy, he is especially remembered for his devotion to the Mother of God, whose image he always carried on his missions. Blessed Anthony died on November 6, 1717, and was beatified in 1893. 

Prayer

O God, who called your handmaid blessed Lucia to seek you before all else, grant that, serving you, through her example and intercession, with a pure and humble heart, we may come at last to your eternal glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Women—For a Nun)
Saint profiles prepared by Fr. Silas Henderson, S.D.S