Saintly Saturday - St. Colette

St. Colette was born on January 13, 1381. After her parents death, she was left to the care of a Benedictine abbot. Although the abbot wished her to marry, Colette felt drawn to religious life, although was unsuccessful in her first attempts with the Beguines and the Benedictines. In 1402, she became a Third Order Franciscan and a hermit, living this ascetic way of life for four years. Breaking the silence of her solitude, she received visions of St. Francis of Assisi. The Saint ordered Colette to restore the Rule of St. Clare, which had relaxed from its original severity. When Colette hesitated, she was struck mute and blind for a time. Taking this as a sign, Colette took action. Lacking the authority to explain her mission, Colette ventured to Nice, where she sought the approval of the schismatic Benedict XIII, who was recognized as the pope by the French. Once he had professed her a Poor Clare, Colette was able to begin her reform with his word behind her, which allowed her to accomplish the reform and found several monasteries. In all, she founded seventeen monasteries, which were to observe the extreme poverty that had been removed from the original Rule. Today, this branch of Poor Clares still exists and they are known as the Colettines.

Apart from her major work of reform, Colette fostered a deep love for Christ, especially being devoted to His Passion. She held a similar tenderness towards animals as that of her spiritual father, St. Francis. Colette died on March 6, 1447. The Church celebrates March 6 as her feast day.

St. Colette, Pray for Us!