CAPG's Blog 

"SHE was born in Moravia, piously educated, and married by her parents to Henry, duke of Poland. In this state, she acquitted herself faithfully of all her respective duties to God, her husband, and her family; making it her study in all things to please God, and to sanctify her own soul and her household. After some time, that she might more entirely give herself to God, she engaged her husband to agree to a mutual vow of perpetual continence; from which time they never met but in public places. St. Hedwig had many crosses to endure, by which she learned more bitterly to deplore the miseries and blindness of the world, and more perfectly to disengage her heart from its slavery. Whether in prosperity or adversity, her whole comfort was in God, and the exercises of religion. The simplicity which she observed in her dress, shewed that she was an enemy to all vanity. The love of dress banishes the spirit of Christ and his gospel, cherishes the root of many vices, and cannot find place in one whose conduct is regulated by a true Christian spirit. She fasted every day except Sunday and great festivals. Her tears and piety were extraordinary, when she approached to the Holy Communion; and she heard Mass with a devotion which astonished all who beheld her. After the death of her husband, she entered into a religious house of Bernardine nuns; where, in the exercise of prayer, humility, mortification, and wonderful charity, she ended her days, in the year 1243.

Here are lessons, first, for young persons not to promise themselves in marriage, without the approbation and consent of their parents. It is a state which requires great grace to go well through its duties and difficulties; and to engage unduly in it, is not the way to obtain that grace. Secondly, for married persons to be very faithful in the arduous duties of their state. Thirdly, for widows, teaching them to make use of the opportunity which God puts into their hands, of working out their salvation in all the exercises of piety and charity. Pray for all states, and be faithful in your own, whatever it be." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church By Fr. John GOTHER