(1585-1640) Baptised as Clarice and born to Italian nobility, she took the name Hyacintha when she joined the Franciscan monastery as a tertiary (third order). Hyacintha lived a life of luxury in the monastery, relying on her personal finances, until her confessor brought her the Eucharist when she was very sick. He was scandalized by her lifestyle and challenged her to live her vows more honestly. She took the admonishment to heart and completely changed the way she lived, eventually becoming known for her extreme asceticism and love of the poor and sick. Hyacintha founded the Oblates of Mary, a confraternity similar to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul that was founded hundreds of years later.
Hyacintha amended her lifestyle when admonished. This requires honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness, three spiritual principles that are indispensable for recovery. What changes have you been willing to make in recovery?
“Blessed is the servant who would accept correction, accusation, and blame from another as patiently as he would from himself. Blessed is the servant who when he is rebuked quietly agrees, respectfully submits, humbly admits his fault, and willingly makes amends” (Saint Francis of Assisi to his friars, Admonition XXII).
Reflection by Brad Farmer