Saint Colette of Corbie was a great reformer of the Franciscan order and a woman of deep prayer and sacrifice. She was born in 1381 in Corbie, France, to elderly parents who had long prayed for a child through the intercession of St. Nicholas.
After the death of her parents, Colette desired to dedicate her life completely to God. She first lived as a recluse, spending her days in prayer, penance, and silence. During this time, she felt called by God to help renew the Poor Clares, the contemplative order founded by Saint Clare of Assisi, a spiritual daughter of Saint Francis of Assisi.
At that time, many convents had become relaxed in their discipline. With great courage and trust in God, Colette began reforming the order, encouraging the sisters to return to a life of poverty, prayer, and simplicity according to the original Franciscan spirit.
Despite many difficulties and opposition, she founded or reformed 17 convents throughout France and the Low Countries. Her holiness inspired many people, and numerous miracles were attributed to her prayers.
Saint Colette died peacefully on March 6, 1447, after a life completely devoted to Christ and the renewal of religious life.
Prayer
O God,
You gave Saint Colette the grace to renew the life of Your servants through humility and prayer.
Help us to seek holiness in our daily lives and to trust in Your providence.
Through her intercession, strengthen our faith and love for You.
Amen.
Did You Know?
Saint Colette had a deep devotion to the Passion of Christ and encouraged the sisters to meditate often on the sufferings of Jesus as a path to deeper love and humility.
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