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Saint for the Day - March 6 - St. Colette
After a holy childhood,
Colette joined a society of devout women called the
Beguines; but not finding their state sufficiently
austere, she entered the Third Order of St. Francis,
and lived in a hut near her parish church of Corbie
in Picardy. Here she had passed four years of
extraordinary penance when St. Francis, in a vision,
bade her undertake the reform of her Order, then
much relaxed. Armed with due authority, she
established her reform throughout a large part of
Europe, and, in spite of the most violent
opposition, founded seventeen convents of the strict
observance. By the same wonderful prudence she
assisted in healing the great schism which then
afflicted. the Church. The Fathers in council at
Constance were in doubt how to deal with the three
claimants to the tiara—John XXIII., Benedict XIII.,
and Gregory XII.
At this crisis Colette, together with St. Vincent
Ferrer, wrote to the Fathers to depose Benedict
XIII., who alone refused his consent to a new
election. This was done, and Martin V. was elected,
to the great good of the Church. Colette equally
assisted the Council of Basle by her advice and
prayers; and when, later, God revealed to her the
spirit ' of revolt that was rising, she warned the
bishops and legates to retire from the council. St.
Colette never ceased to pray for the Church, while
the devils, in turn, never ceased to assault her.
They swarmed round her as hideous insects, buzzing
and stinging her tender skin. They brought into her
cell the decaying corpses of public criminals, and
assuming themselves monstrous forms struck her
savage blows; or they would appear in the most
seductive guise, and tempt her by many deceits to
sin.
St. Colette once complained to Our Lord that the
demons prevented her from praying. "Cease, then,"
said the devil to her, "your prayers to the great
Master of the Church, and we will cease to torment
you; for you torment us more by your prayers than we
do you." Yet the virgin of Christ triumphed alike
over their threats and their allurements, and said
she would count that day the unhappiest of her life
in which she suffered nothing for her God. She died
March 6, 1447, in a transport of intercession for
sinners and the Church.
Saint for the Day - St. Colette
Read about the Saint for today - March 6 and spare a thought for family or friends who might suffering from ill health or are experiencing times of trouble.
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Daily Reflection
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One of the greatest tests of
being a good Catholic is zeal
for the Church and, devotion to
Christ's Vicar. |
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Saint for the Day Website
We hope that you gain spiritual knowledge and inspiration reading about the saint for today - March 6. An online Catholic resource providing a short Reflection for the year ahead. Use these short, inspiring words to request guidance or assistance for yourself and for the sake of others. |
