Eustochia Smeralda Calafato
Eustochia Smeralda Calafato was an Italian Franciscan nun of the Order of the Poor Clares, born in Messina in 1434. She is remembered for her deep devotion, austerities, and for founding the convent of Montevergine, which adhered strictly to the rule of poverty. She is a co-patroness of Messina and her incorrupt body is venerated there.
- Feast Day
- January 20
- Century
- 15th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Born Smeralda Calafato on March 25, 1434, in Santissima Annunziata, near Messina, Italy.
- ›Entered the convent of Basicò at age 15 against her parents' wishes.
- ›Founded the convent of Montevergine in 1464, emphasizing strict adherence to the rule of poverty.
- ›Died on January 20, 1485, at the age of 50.
- ›Beatified in 1782 by Pope Pius VI and canonized on June 11, 1988, by Pope John Paul II.
- ›Her incorrupt body rests in the monastery of Sanctuary of Montevergine in Messina.
Eustochia of Messina, Smeralda Calafato
Messina
About Eustochia Smeralda Calafato
Eustochia Smeralda Calafato (born Smeralda Calafato, March 25, 1434 – January 20, 1485) was an Italian saint and a member of the Franciscan Order of the Poor Clares. She is particularly venerated in Messina, where she is recognized as a co-patroness.
Life and Historical Context
Born in the village of Santissima Annunziata near Messina, Eustochia's early life was marked by her parents' flight from a plague. Despite her family's wealth and her own noted beauty, she felt a strong calling to religious life from a young age. At fifteen, against her parents' wishes, she entered the convent of Basicò, taking the name Eustochia. Her early years in the convent were characterized by deep devotion and rigorous ascetic practices, including frequent fasting and corporal mortification. Dissatisfied with what she perceived as a lack of strict adherence to the rule of poverty at Basicò, Eustochia, with the approval of Pope Callixtus III, founded her own convent, Montevergine, in 1464. She served as its abbess, and the convent thrived, housing fifty sisters by the time of her death.
Veneration and Legacy
Eustochia Smeralda Calafato's holiness was recognized posthumously. She was beatified by Pope Pius VI in 1782 and canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 11, 1988. Her incorrupt body is preserved in the Montevergine monastery she founded in Messina. A long-standing tradition sees her body exposed for public veneration in Messina every August 22, during which the municipality offers a gift to her. Her feast day is celebrated in Messina on January 20, the anniversary of her death.
Artistic Association
There is a belief that Eustochia Smeralda Calafato may have served as the model for Antonello da Messina's renowned painting, the "Virgin of the Annunciation."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Eustochia Smeralda Calafato born?
Eustochia Smeralda Calafato was born on March 25, 1434, in the village of Santissima Annunziata, near Messina, Italy.
What religious order did Eustochia join?
Eustochia joined the Order of the Poor Clares, a Franciscan order. She entered the convent of Basicò and later founded her own convent, Montevergine.
What is Eustochia Calafato chiefly remembered for?
She is remembered for her deep religious devotion, her commitment to the poverty of the Poor Clare rule, and for founding the convent of Montevergine. She is also the co-patroness of Messina.
When did Eustochia Calafato die and where is she buried?
Eustochia died on January 20, 1485, in Messina. Her incorrupt body rests in the monastery of Sanctuary of Montevergine in Messina.
When was Eustochia Smeralda Calafato canonized?
Eustochia Smeralda Calafato was canonized on June 11, 1988, by Pope John Paul II. She had been beatified in 1782 by Pope Pius VI.
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