Blessed Imelda

Short Biography of Blessed Imelda

Blessed Imelda was an Italian mystic and ascetic who lived in the 13th century. She was born in 1201 in a small village near Bologna, Italy. Her parents were devout Catholics and instilled in her a strong faith from a young age.

Imelda was known for her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her love for the poor. She was particularly devoted to the Eucharist and spent much of her time in prayer and contemplation.

At the age of 15, Imelda entered the convent of St. Clara in Bologna, where she lived a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She became known for her holiness and was respected by the other nuns for her wisdom and guidance.

Imelda had a special devotion to the sufferings of Christ and would often meditate on the Passion. She is said to have had numerous mystical experiences and visions, including one where she received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ.

Despite her love for solitude and contemplation, Imelda was also known for her charitable works. She would often visit the sick and the poor, bringing them food and comfort.

Imelda died in 1222 at the young age of 21. She was buried in the convent of St. Clara, where her tomb became a site of pilgrimage for those seeking healing and spiritual guidance.

In 1792, Imelda was beatified by Pope Pius VI. She is now remembered as a model of devotion and charity and is often invoked by those seeking intercession for a happy death.

 

Prayers to Blessed Imelda

1. O Blessed Imelda, whose love for the Eucharist and the Passion of Christ was so great, please intercede for me before the Lord. Help me to deepen my own love for the sacraments and to more fully understand the depth of Christ’s love for me.

2. O Blessed Imelda, who was known for your charitable works and your love for the poor, please inspire in me a heart of compassion and a desire to serve others. May I follow your example and bring the love of Christ to those in need.

3. O Blessed Imelda, whose holiness and devotion to Mary were an inspiration to those around you, please pray for me that I may grow in my own faith and love for our Blessed Mother. May I seek her intercession and guidance in all that I do.

Detailed Biography of Blessed Imelda

Birth

Imelda Lambertini was born in 1322 in Bologna, Italy. She was the only child of Count Egano Lambertini and Castora Galuzzi, who were devout Catholics and known for their charity and generosity to the poor of Bologna.

Religious Calling

From a very young age, Imelda showed a remarkable love for Jesus in the Eucharist. On her fifth birthday, she asked her parents if she could receive Communion, but the custom at the time was that children had to wait until they were 14 years old. She wondered aloud: “Tell me, can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die?”

At age nine, she entered the Dominican convent near Bologna, called Val di Pietra, where she lived as a novice among the nuns. She devoted herself to prayer, penance, and charity, and continued to long for receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. She frequently asked her confessor for permission to do so, but he always refused, following the rule of the Church.

Miracle and Death

On May 12, 1333, the day before the feast of the Ascension, Imelda attended Mass with the community of nuns. She was left alone in her choir stall, while the others received Communion. She prayed fervently, asking Jesus to come to her. Suddenly, a sweet fragrance filled the air, and a miraculous Host appeared above her head, shining with a bright light. The sacristan saw this and called the priest, who came with a paten and took the Host. He felt moved by God to give Communion to Imelda, who received it with great joy and reverence.

After receiving Jesus, Imelda stayed in her place, kneeling in prayer. She wanted to thank him and love him with all her heart. When a nun came to call her for supper, she found her still kneeling, with a smile on her face. She called her name, but Imelda did not answer. She touched her shoulder gently, and Imelda fell to the floor. She had died of love, as she had foretold. She was only 11 years old.

Her body was taken to the church of San Sigismondo in Bologna, where it is still preserved incorrupt under a wax effigy. Many people venerate her as a saint and a model of Eucharistic devotion.

Beatification

Imelda’s writings and miracles were approved by theologians in 1891, 1894, and 1895. Her cause of canonization was opened in 1897, granting her the title of Servant of God. She was beatified by Pope Leo XII in 1826.

In 1910, Pope Saint Pius X declared her the patroness of First Communicants and lowered the age for receiving Communion to seven years old. He also established a confraternity for First Communicants in her honor.

Learn More

• [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imelda_Lambertini
• [2] https://www.michaeljournal.org/articles/roman-catholic-church/item/blessed-imelda-lambertini
• [3] https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/blessed-imelda-patroness-of-first-communicants-6058
• [4] https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/blessed-imelda-lambertini.html

Saints Similar to Blessed Imelda

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Tarcisius. Both Blessed Imelda and St. Tarcisius are known for their deep devotion to the Eucharist. They each had a strong desire to receive the Holy Communion and are remembered for their profound reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Blessed Imelda died while longing to receive her First Communion, and St. Tarcisius was a martyr who died protecting the Eucharist from desecration. Next up: Biography of Blessed John Henry Newman

 

Also check out our handmade Blessed Imelda Medal and Blessed Imelda Rosary Bracelet and Blessed Imelda Medal .