6TH MARCH 2003
ST.COLITTE
VIRGIN (1381--1447)
LIFE:
Carpenter's daughter whose parents were near 60 at her birth.
Orphaned at age 17, and left in the care of a Benedictine abbot. Her guardian wanted
her to marry, but Colette was drawn to religious life. She initially tried to join the
Beguine and Benedictine orders, but failed in her vocation. Franciscan tertiary.
Hermitess. On 17 September 1402, at age 21, she became an anchoress - walled into a
cell whose only opening was a grilled window into a church.
She had visions in which Saint Francis of Assisi ordered her to restore the rule of
Saint Clare to its original severity. When she hesitated, she was struck blind for
three days and mute for three more; she saw this as a sign.
Colette tried to follow her mission by explaining it, but had no success. Realizing
she needed more authority behind her words, she walked to Nice, barefoot and clothed
in a habit of patches, to meet Peter de Luna, acknowledged by the French as the
schismatic Pope Benedict XIII. He professed her a Poor Clare, and was so impressed
that he made her superioress of all convents of Minoresses that she might reform or
found, and a missioner to the friars and tertiaries of Saint Francis.
She travelled from convent to convent, meeting opposition, abuse, slander, and was
even accused of sorcery. Eventually she made some progress, especially in Savoy, where
her reform gained sympathizers and recruits. This reform passed to Burgundy, France,
Flanders, and Spain.
Helped Saint Vincent Ferrer heal the papal schism. Founded 17 convents. One branch of
the Poor Clares is still known as the Colettines.
She was known for a deep devotion to Christ's Passion with an appreciation and care
for animals. Colette fasted every Friday, meditating on the Passion. After receiving
Holy Communion, she would fall into ecstasies for hours. She foretold the date of her
own death.
PATRONAGE:
loss of parents
REFLECTION:
If there be a true way that leads to the everlasting kingdom ,its most
certainly that of suffering, patiently endured..
we adore Thee O Christ and we bless Thee,Because of Thy Holy Cross
Thou ha s redeemed the world....!!!!!
S.THOMAS
NOTTINGHAM
ENGLAND
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