Editor's Note: Bl. Michelina's feast was yesterday, when this was supposed to be posted, but I ran out of time and am posting it today instead. Sorry for any confusion!
Today is the feast day of Blessed Michelina of Pesaro. Most of you have probably never heard of her- I hadn't until I discovered that it was her feast! Though she lived many centuries ago, several lessons she learned apply to our lives today.
Michelina was born to the noble and wealthy Metelli family in the year 1300. Her family was devout, and she also grew up loving God and serving Him. When she was twelve, she married the Duke of Malastesta (all you twelve year olds out there, isn't that strange to think about?!). Unfortunately, her husband died when she was twenty, leaving her with a little son to care for. At this point, she searched for happiness in the world. Neglecting her religious duties and her prayer, Michelina attended parties, grabbed at new luxuries, and immersed herself in the culture. However, she didn't find the happiness she was looking for. Realizing her need to spend more time and energy with her son and accepting her responsibilities, Michelina settled down and befriended a holy Franciscan lay woman in her home town of Pesaro.
Her friend Syriaca changed her for the better. This Tertiary, who lived in her home but took vows under the Third Order of St. Francis, led Michelina to pray and care for the needy. This spiritual guidance was just what she needed, and after her son died, she also became a lay Franciscan. Michelina's sudden change surprised her family, who thought she was insane and locked her up. They couldn't believe that she gave away her beautiful clothes and started eating cheap plain food. When they realized that she had become such a holy women, her family freed her and let her continue her prayer, fasting, and good works.
Throughout her life, Michelina practiced self-mortification but gave generously and with love to others. Later when she was quite old, she took a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to experience Christ's life and the places He frequented. At the age of fifty-six, in 1356, she received her heavenly reward and went home to her King. The citizens of Pesaro considered her a saint, and she was canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII. She is the patron of mentally ill people, widows, and the patron against the death of children and insanity. Slightly morbid, don't you think?!
There are two lessons we learn from the story of this wonderful lady. First, Bl. Michelina fell away from God because she tried to immerse herself in the culture to find happiness. Fashion, food, and parties didn't satisfy her, and they won't satisfy us either. It's important to stand strong against this evil culture and its lies- just like our motto “Blooming Through Fire” promotes. Happiness is found in loving God and obeying Him through our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Don't turn to the world and its pleasures to satisfy you. Draw closer to God and develop a strong relationship with Him through prayer and good deeds of love for others. The second lesson is that Michelina's life changed drastically because of a godly mentor and friend. If you want to become holy, it's important to have friends and mentors that are strong Catholics, pray daily, and strive to be saints. Choose your friends carefully, because they have sooo much influence on who you become, especially in the junior high years.
Blessed Michelina of Pesaro, pray for us!
-Hannah
No comments:
Post a Comment