Christina von Stommeln
Female·November 6·Germany·13th century
Christina von Stommeln was a Roman Catholic mystic, ecstatic, and stigmatic who experienced religious visions from a young age. Her life was marked by profound spiritual experiences, including the manifestation of stigmata, and she became a significant figure of devotion in the medieval period.
Key Facts
- ›Christina von Stommeln is believed to have been born on July 24, 1242, to farmers in Stommeln.
- ›She began experiencing religious visions at the age of five and joined a Beguine community in Cologne at twelve.
- ›At fifteen, she manifested stigmata on her hands, feet, and head, leading to mistreatment by her community.
- ›She returned to her home village in 1267 and was cared for by the parish priest, Johannes.
- ›While in Stommeln, she met Peter of Dacia, a Dominican, who became a lifelong friend.
- ›Pope Pius X beatified her on November 8, 1908.
Christina Bruso, Christina Bruzo
Beguines
Stigmata
Mystic, Stigmatic
About Christina von Stommeln
Christina von Stommeln, also known as Christina Bruso or Christina Bruzo, was a Roman Catholic mystic, ecstatic, and stigmatic who lived from 1242 to 1312. Her life was characterized by profound spiritual experiences and a deep, albeit sometimes challenging, faith journey.
Life and historical context
Born into a farming family in Stommeln, Christina began experiencing religious visions at the exceptionally young age of five. By the time she was ten, a dream revealed her future path would involve living with the Beguines. Despite her parents' wishes for her to marry at twelve, Christina left home to join a Beguine community in Cologne. It was at fifteen that she began to manifest stigmata on her hands, feet, and head. These intense mystical occurrences, combined with her ecstatic states, led some within the Beguine community to believe she was insane, resulting in mistreatment and her eventual return to her home village in 1267.
Upon her return to Stommeln, she found refuge and care with the parish priest, Johannes. During this period, she met Peter of Dacia, a Dominican, who became a close and enduring friend. Following Peter's death in 1288, Christina's mystical experiences reportedly ceased. She then moved from the priest's household into a small cloister, where she lived a more secluded life until her death at the age of 70.
Legacy and Veneration
Christina von Stommeln was beatified by Pope Pius X on November 8, 1908, and her liturgical feast day is observed on the date of her death, November 6. Her remains have undergone several transfers, ultimately finding their resting place in the Propsteikirche (Provost's Church) in Jülich, Germany. A monument to her still exists there, and her relics survived significant destruction during an air raid in 1944, underscoring her continued veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Christina von Stommeln born and when did she die?
Christina von Stommeln is believed to have been born on July 24, 1242, and died on November 6, 1312. She lived to be 70 years old.
What were Christina von Stommeln's significant spiritual experiences?
From a young age, Christina experienced religious visions. At fifteen, she manifested stigmata on her hands, feet, and head. These mystical experiences were central to her spiritual life.
Who was Peter of Dacia and what was his relationship with Christina von Stommeln?
Peter of Dacia was a Dominican who became a lifelong friend to Christina von Stommeln. Their friendship began when he met her while she was under the care of the parish priest in Stommeln.
When and by whom was Christina von Stommeln beatified?
Christina von Stommeln was beatified by Pope Pius X on November 8, 1908. Her liturgical feast day was established on the date of her death.
Where are Christina von Stommeln's relics located?
Christina von Stommeln's remains have been moved several times since her death. They are now located in the Propsteikirche (Provost's Church) in Jülich, where her relics survived an Allied air raid in 1944.
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