(1449-1505) Born to Italian nobility, Blessed Osanna, also known as “Hosanna,” rejected arranged marriage and became a Dominican tertiary at 17. She took final vows as a Dominican 37 years later, taking the time to care for her siblings after her parents died. Blessed Osanna was a mystic and stigmatist, experiencing some of the wounds and pain of the Crucifixion. She miraculously learned to read and write, perhaps taught by the Blessed Virgin herself, becoming quite proficient in Latin. Blessed Osanna dedicated her life to care for the poor and sick as well as to spiritual direction.

Blessed Osanna lived her life in service to God and other people. It took her 37 years to complete her final vows as a Dominican. In addiction, life’s dreams can slip away for less noble causes. Lost dreams awaken in recovery. What lost dreams have reawakened in your recovery? What do you still hope for?

“To enter Heaven it is necessary to love God very much: See how all created things sing His glory and proclaim it to men” (an angel to Blessed Osanna in a vision at age five).

Reflection by Brad Farmer