Blessed Eustochium of Padua, OSB V (AC)
Born in Padua, Italy, 1444; died 1469. Baptized Lucrezia Bellini, Saint Eustochium was the daughter of a nun of Padua who had been seduced. The gentle, pious 'Cinderella of the Cloister' became a nun in 1461 and for four years was subject to violent hysteria for which she was treated as one diabolically possessed: exorcised, kept in prison, fed on bread and water or even deprived of food. When in her right mind she bore her treatment with heroic patience and humility. She died after profession, aged 25, and the name of Jesus was found cauterized on her breast. Eustochium is venerated in Padua (Benedictines).
Born in Padua, Italy, 1444; died 1469. Baptized Lucrezia Bellini, Saint Eustochium was the daughter of a nun of Padua who had been seduced. The gentle, pious 'Cinderella of the Cloister' became a nun in 1461 and for four years was subject to violent hysteria for which she was treated as one diabolically possessed: exorcised, kept in prison, fed on bread and water or even deprived of food. When in her right mind she bore her treatment with heroic patience and humility. She died after profession, aged 25, and the name of Jesus was found cauterized on her breast. Eustochium is venerated in Padua (Benedictines).