By Jamie Gruber

Today is the feast day of St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli. The patroness of widowers. Two things struck me this morning as I contemplated her life. I found a great article about her on the Vatican’s website and I thought I would share with you some tidbits of her life today:

Husbands

“…Virginia, however, with her great patience, prayer and affection, tried to convince her husband to a modest life. Unfortunately, Gaspare get ill died on June 13, 1607, in Alessandria, thus, enabling him to reach a state of grace and peace with God, relieved and assisted by his faithful wife.”

I am not married yet, but I would assume that it is a big temptation to nag our husbands. While probably done out of love for their betterment, St. Virginia shows us through her life that being patient, prayerful and affectionate toward her husband gained him grace and peace with God. Instead of being quick to comment, maybe we ought to practice patience and out of love pray and show affection!

The poor

“…The beneficiaries of Our Lady of Refuge became for Virginia her excellent “daughters”, with whom she shared the food and clothing. She taught them catechism and trained them to work so that they could earn their own sustenance.”

Part of loving our family as Catholics means sharing with them the richness of faith. We selflessly desire for them to attain the prize of Perpetual Eternity with the One who is Love. Saint Virginia reminds us that all humanity is our family and in each person we meet we should be encouraging to strive for Heaven.

click here to read the full story of St. Virginia