SAINT: Blessed Imelda Lambertini – 13 May
By Heather Excell
Born in Bologna, Italy in 1322, Imelda was the only child of a noble and deeply faithful family. Her parents were known for their generosity to the poor, and from them she learned both a love of prayer and a habit of charity.
Even as a young girl, Imelda was drawn to the Mass, often attending at a nearby Church, and joining them for their Night Prayer (Compline). Her attraction soon took a more specific form when Imelda developed a deep longing to receive Holy Communion.
At the time, it was customary for children to wait until their early teens before receiving the Eucharist. Despite this, Imelda asked from a very young age to be admitted to Communion, but her request was gently refused.
At nine years old, Imelda asked her parents’ permission to live with the Dominican nuns at a neighbouring monastery. Sensing the depth of their child’s desire, they entrusted her spiritual formation to the Dominicans at Val di Pietra.
There, her desire for the Eucharist only intensified. Imelda pleaded with the nuns who gently refused, telling her that she needed to wait until she was older and more prepared.
In 1333, nearing the Feast of the Ascension, Imelda begged once again to receive Communion. The chaplain was consulted on the matter and agreed with the sisters that Imelda was still too young.
On the Vigil of the Ascension, Imelda was in the chapel praying quietly while the sisters received Communion. After Mass, as one of the nuns was clearing the altar, she heard a noise and looked up to see a Host suspended above Imelda, surrounded by a soft light.
The priest came out to witness it and understood this to be a sign. At last, Imelda received her first Holy Communion.
Imelda spent some time praying in thanksgiving, before the prioress sent for her to come and have breakfast. Imelda was still kneeling as she had been left, yet when called for, she did not respond. She had died there, peacefully, with a smile on her face.
Her death was attributed to the overwhelming joy of finally receiving the Eucharistic Lord who she had long desired.
Centuries later, her veneration was formally recognised by Pope Leo XII who beatified her in 1826.
Through her brief life, Imelda teaches something fundamental: that the Eucharist is not only to be received, but to be deeply desired. In a world often distracted or indifferent, her example calls us back to a childlike faith. One that recognises in the Eucharist a gift worth longing for with our whole heart.Top of Form
Blessed Imelda Lambertini, pray for us.