Saint of the Month - September, 2011: Blessed Colomba Gabriel

Bl. Colomba Gabriel

Advocate of Poor Laborers

Memorial: September 24th

Originally from Poland, this foundress of a thriving modern congregation was actually once a nun in her own homeland, but through the mysterious design of Divine Providence, she found herself led to Rome where her spirit of charity was greatly needed during her lifetime... and even beyond.

Born on May 3, 1858, Janina Matylda Gabriel was from a wealthy and influential family from the Polish town of Ivano-Frankivsk (now part of Ukraine). As a youthful socialite she was described as being devout, intelligent, and attractive, but despite the prospects of a glittery future that her rank accorded her, she longed for something much more meaningful. In 1882, Janina left her privileged life behind to follow her dream of becoming a religious; she joined the Benedictine Order in Lviv and took the name, Sr. Colomba.

In Lviv, Colomba's piety and leadership qualities quickly distinguished her from her companions and the young nun was elected to the office of Abbess. All seemed well at first until the evil one made his presence known by stirring up discord among the Benedictine Sisters. The jealousy of a few unworthy nuns lead to columny and intense conflict within the community, and Sr. Colomba discerned in the situation a sign for her to leave her monastery to follow another inspiration from the Lord. So in 1900 she left for Rome, Italy, where she lived for a short while before rejoining the Benedictines in nearby Subiaco; she was never to see her home-country again.

In 1902, Colomba returned to Rome where she further discerned an urgent need to assist naïve factory workers who were exploited in the city, especially impoverished young girls. She began a charitable apostolate that involved the opening of a small 'home', which provided shelter, protection, education, and food to poor laborers. The work attracted other pious women and, as the apostolate expanded, Sr. Colomba organized her growing band of helpers into a formal religious congregation that she named the Benedictine Sisters of Charity.

The new foundress - now 'Mother Colomba' - served as the capable superior of the congregation, and for the rest of her life, continued to work tirelessly in opening one home after another throughout Italy. She was sustained in her difficult mission by deep faith and an intense prayer life, and generously motivated by her sincere desire to assist the needy and the poor.

When her death occurred on September 24, 1926, Mother Colomba was mourned by the populace of Rome, who had gratefully adopted the Polish noblewoman as one of their own. The Church later recognized the sanctity of the foundress by Beatifying her in 1993. Her body is reportedly incorrupt and is enshrined and venerated in the motherhouse of her congregation in Rome.

A Reflection:
'Ora et Labora (Pray and Work)' ~ The Motto of the Benedictine Order
 

A Short Prayer:
Dear Lord, following the example of your servant, Bl. Colomba Gabriel, help us to also fill our days with not just work, but also with prayer.  Amen.