Saint Colette

St. Colette was born on January 13, 1381, in Corbie, France. Her family, while not wealthy, was deeply religious, fostering a strong spiritual foundation for her early life. Colette was the daughter of the local innkeeper, and from a young age, she felt a calling to the religious life. After the death of her parents, she joined the Poor Clare community in the nearby town of Beaurevoir. Her enthusiasm for the monastic life flourished, leading her to take the habit at the age of 20.

After a brief period in the convent, Colette experienced a profound spiritual awakening, which inspired her to live a life of greater simplicity and reform. In 1406, she witnessed a mystical vision of St. Francis of Assisi that ultimately propelled her further into her vocation. This encounter drove her to seek a deeper, more austere lifestyle consistent with the original intentions of St. Clare and her Rule.

Colette’s dedication to reform drew her out of the cloistered world of Beaurevoir and into the broader French landscape, where she undertook an arduous journey to revive the Poor Clare Order, which had grown lax in its adherence to its founding principles. In 1410, she founded a new community in the town of Besançon, which adhered strictly to the guidelines of poverty, humility, and service. This venture was not without challenges; she faced opposition from within the church and secular authorities. Nevertheless, her faith and resolve enabled her to establish several monasteries across France, ultimately leading to the creation of the Colettine Poor Clares.

Throughout her life, Colette was known for her intense prayer life and deep compassion for the poor and marginalized. She was a reformer at heart, emphasizing the importance of returning to the core values of the Poor Clare spirituality: poverty, prayer, and community life. Colette had a gift for reconciliation, helping to mend rifts between various groups and individuals. Her wisdom also attracted many followers, who were eager to learn from her example of living faith in a complex world.

Colette’s life was marked by numerous miraculous events reported by those around her. She was known to have healed the sick and provided comfort to the needy. She was also perceived as a powerful intercessor, and many devotees sought her prayers in times of hardship. As her reputation grew, Colette was often invited to guide young religious women in their formations, sharing her insights into a life centered on Christ.

Saint Colette died on March 6, 1447, in Ghent, Belgium. Her passing marked the loss of a remarkable leader and spiritual guide. She was canonized by Pope Clement XI in 1807, and her feast day is celebrated on March 6. Her legacy lives on through the Colettine Poor Clare Order, which continues to flourish to this day, committed to a life of prayer and contemplation marked by community service. St. Colette’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the strength that comes from listening to God’s call.