Saint of the Month - January 2012: Saint Eustochia Calafato

St. Eustochia Calafato

Spouse of the Crucified

Feast: January 20th

Born in a humble stable in Messina, Italy - on a Good Friday in 1434 - this remarkable woman seems to have been one of those rare souls, who from their earliest years was predestined by Our Lord to live a life of intimate union with him.  Baptized “Smeralda” by her noble parents, her devout mother raised her in a pious atmosphere that contributed to her rapid growth in virtue and grace.  She was so good even, as a child, the devil had a sense of her sanctity and tried to kill her by throwing her off a high balcony!  Smeralda’s mother witnessed the harrowing event and spontaneously cried out to God for help, after which a mysterious woman suddenly appeared; caught the child in mid-air; then restored her to the balcony before vanishing.

Not surprisingly, Smeralda developed a strong desire to consecrate her life completely to God, but her father and brothers would not hear of it, as they had plans to marry her off to another wealthy family.  The pious maiden fled to the local Poor Clare monastery, but her brothers pursued her when they learned what she had done.  Breaking into the monastery, they tried to take her by force but relented when they saw that their efforts were futile against her firm resolve to become a bride of Christ.

Smeralda rejoined the Poor Clares and took the name, “Sr. Eustochia”, in honor of a local Saint.  She quickly distinguished herself by her exceptional practice of virtue, self-imposed penances, and the mystical gifts that the Lord began to grant her.  She soon came to realize that the monastery wasn’t properly following the strict religious Rule, as written by St. Clare of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Poor Clares.  As it sometimes happens, the monastery had become laxed over the years, so Eustochia proposed a reform but was greatly opposed by many of the sisters.

Seeing her concerns cast aside by the Abbess and others, the Saint was inspired to start another house that would practice the Rule in its original integrity; those around her were suspicious of Eustochia and she was closely watched. She, nonetheless, proceeded to enlist the help of her wealthy and influential relatives in her initiative.  After 11 years of residency, Eustochia had to literally flee from her community in order to establish a new foundation in Messina.  A few like-minded nuns joined her.

St. Eustochia's monastery in

Montevergine, Messina 

In the beginning, life was very difficult for Sr. Eustochia and her companions because they were also treated with suspicion by both civil and religious authorities.  The Lord, however, sustained them, sometimes through miracles worked by the young foundress.  For example, during times when food was scarce, Eustochia’s prayer would mysteriously stretch the monastery’s meager supply, or bring about the timely arrival of a stranger bearing a much needed gift of bread and other food staples (an angel?).

As news of the holy nun's supernatural gifts spread outside the monastery, the people slowly came to support the virtuous occupants of the new foundation; vocations increased and the monastery had to be relocated and expanded to accommodate the growing number of nuns.  As the elected Abbess, Eustochia proved herself to be an excellent administrator and a role-model for her spiritual daughters.

Towards the end of her life, Eustochia had a vision of a woman of great beauty.  It was revealed to her that the woman represented her upcoming death, and she understood that death was beautiful for those who followed the Lord.  Exhausted by extreme penances and totally consumed by her burning love for God, the Saint died in 1491.  Her body was radiant with heavenly beauty, and the Stigmata, which had wounded her hands and feet for many years, emitted a delightful fragrance.  The entire city of Messina mourned and celebrated the nun whom they had considered their special protector even while alive.

The body of the Saint, as venerated in her sanctuary in Messina, Italy

Today, Eustochia's incorrupt body is magnificently enshrined in a sanctuary adjoining her monastery in Messina, where it is venerated with annual festivities.  St. Eustochia Calafato was Canonized in 1988.

A Reflection

God lovingly protects and cares for his faithful servants.

A Short Prayer

Lord, protect us from the snares of the devil as we strive to do your will.  Amen.