St. Lutgarde, VIRGIN, A.D. 1246.
by VP
Posted on Sunday June 16, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"In her youth she was of a vain and worldly spirit, and thought of nothing but, as her father had promised, of being honourably married. But he, being disabled by great losses, could not accomplish what he designed; and she being disappointed, by her mother's importunity, entered into a monastery. There, not at all changed, she still found the same inclinations, as formerly to the world. But God at length giving her a true sense of her follies, she changed so truly to the other extreme, that she became an example of all virtue; which being found solid by the proof of twelve years' practice, she was chosen superior. This charge, however, not agreeing with her humble spirit, she removed to another house of the Bernardins. She made it her grand object to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ, and conform herself to it, as much as possible. Wholly occupied on eternity, she gave herself up to mortification, fasting, and the closest retreat. She lived in so perfect disengagement of spirit, that she had no care for her body; so that she was an example of every virtue of a true religious. Pouring forth floods of tears for the conversion of sinners, she lost her sight, and continued blind eleven years. On the day of her death, she opened her eyes to look towards heaven, to which she was then called, in the year 1246.
If that which Lutgarde esteemed her misfortune, was the first
step to her becoming a saint, ought not you to be moderate under all
that which seems your unhappiness; hoping that God has a design of hidden
blessings, and that this is a preparation for them? Adore Providence,
and peaceably submit to all its appointments, without any curiosity to
discover its counsels. Thus will you be prepared for its greatest
favours. Her first step out of the world was very imperfect, and yet how good was the effect!
Be not then too severe in your reflections upon those, whose beginnings
are yet weak. But if it be your case, that you were not sincere in what
you have undertaken, make now amends for all such weaknesses, by a true
conversion of yourself to God." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
