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 --------------------------------- With Yahoo! Mail you can get a bigger mailbox -- choose a size that fits your needs =============================================================================== This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ===============================================================================