(1587-1651) Virginia was born to a pious aristocratic family in Genoa, Italy, and was pressured into an arranged marriage at 15. Her husband was a drinker and a gambler who died after having two daughters only five years into their marriage. The 20-year-old widow devoted herself to raising her daughters, and she spent her spare time in prayer and doing works of charity. Once her children were grown and married, Virginia gave everything to caring for the sick, elderly, and orphaned. She founded the Institution of Our Lady of Refuge, spent her life serving the most desolate, and helped anyone who came to her in need. Virginia received visions, locutions, and other mystical gifts later in her life.
Pope Saint John Paul II said of Saint Virginia in her canonization homily on May 18, 2003, “Disregarding her noble origins, she devoted herself to assisting the lowliest with extraordinary apostolic zeal. The effectiveness of her apostolate stemmed from her unconditional adherence to God’s will, which was nourished by ceaseless contemplation of, and obedient listening to, the word of the Lord.” How do you contemplate and listen to the word of the Lord in your recovery?
“When God is the only goal, all disagreements are smoothed out, all difficulties overcome” (Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli).
Reflection by Brad Farmer