Blessed Madeline of Canossa – November 8th
Madeline was one of those very lovable children, full of life, and pretty as a picture. She was the daughter of an Italian nobleman, and her rich parents showered her with love. But when she was only five, her dear father died. Two years later, her mother married again and Madeline was entrusted to a governess, who was supposed to be like a good mother to her. Instead, this mean woman treated the beautiful and intelligent child in the worst way possible. Madeline’s brother and sisters tried to tell on the governess, but that clever woman always made it look as though she were right and the child was guilty.
How did Madeline take all this? The great sorrow she felt and the humiliations she suffered only served to strengthen her character. A serious illness attacked her next, and when it was over, her worried relatives were happy to see that she was the same lovely, cheerful young lady as before. But there was one difference. Madeline had resolved to turn down all chances to marry, because she had decided to become a nun.
At first, she thought God wanted her to serve Him as a Carmelite. Later, she realized that she was to be Foundress of a Congregation of nuns who would take care of children. God blessed the new Institute in every way. Schools, homes for orphans, raining centers for the blind and for the deaf and dumb were opened in many cities. Madeline’s tender heart was full of love for little ones in difficulty, because she remembered how much she herself had suffered as a child.
This Saint had a great devotion to our Heavenly Mother and when she was dying she said three Hail Marys with touching love. At the third, she stretched out her arms, and her eyes shone as though she could see the Blessed Virgin coming for her. Then she bowed her head and left this earth forever.
I will remember in my prayers all the little children without a mother. I will pray to our Blessed Lady to be their Mother.
