Humility
Saint Humility was an Italian noblewoman who founded the Vallumbrosan Nuns and established two convents. She is remembered for her devout life, influential writings, and founding of religious communities.
- Feast Day
- May 22
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Born Rosanna Negusanti to a noble family from Faenza, she was married at fifteen.
- ›She became a canoness and took the name Humilitas in 1250 at Saint Perpetua monastery.
- ›In 1254, she became an anchoress for twelve years at Saint Apollinaris church.
- ›She founded a Vallumbrosan monastery, Santa Maria Novella alla Malta, outside Faenza in 1266.
- ›A second convent was founded in Florence in 1282, where she died.
- ›She is known for composing nine Latin sermons and writing Lauds to the Virgin Mary in verse.
Humilitas, Santa Rosanna, Saint Roxanne
Vallumbrosan Nuns
About Humility
Saint Humility
Saint Humility, born Rosanna Negusanti (c. 1226 – 22 May 1310), was a pivotal figure in religious life in medieval Italy, recognized as the founder of the Vallumbrosan Nuns. Her life, rooted in nobility and personal loss, led to a profound spiritual journey that resulted in the establishment of significant religious institutions and a body of devotional writings.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a noble family in Faenza, Rosanna Negusanti was married at the young age of fifteen to a nobleman named Ugoletto dei Caccianemici. The couple had two children, both of whom tragically died in infancy. This personal sorrow likely influenced her decision to seek a deeper spiritual path. In 1250, she and her husband decided to enter the double monastery of Saint Perpetua near Faenza, where Rosanna became a canoness, adopting the religious name Humilitas.
Her commitment deepened when, in 1254, she became an anchoress in a cell attached to the Vallumbrosan church of Saint Apollinaris in Faenza. For twelve years, she lived as a hermit or recluse, her example attracting several young women from Faenza who wished to live under her spiritual guidance and built cells near hers. This burgeoning community led to her next significant undertaking.
Founding of Religious Communities and Writings
In 1266, at the request of the abbot-general, Saint Humility founded a Vallumbrosan monastery outside Faenza, which eventually became known as Santa Maria Novella alla Malta, and she served as its abbess. Her work extended further when, in 1282, she established a second convent in Florence, dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist. This Florentine convent was decorated by the artist Buonamico Buffalmacco and consecrated in 1297.
Saint Humility also left a legacy through her writings. She is particularly noted for composing and preaching nine Latin sermons and for writing "Lauds to the Virgin Mary" in verse. These works reflect her piety and theological reflections.
Veneration and Legacy
The cult of Saint Humility was officially confirmed by Pope Clement XI on January 27, 1720. In 1942, she was declared a co-patron of Faenza, and altars were dedicated to her in the two monasteries she founded. Her feast day is celebrated on May 22. In 1972, her relics were translated to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Bagno a Ripoli, near Florence, further cementing her enduring veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Humility?
Saint Humility, born Rosanna Negusanti, was an Italian noblewoman who became a religious figure. She is known for founding the Vallumbrosan Nuns.
What is Saint Humility known for?
She is primarily known for founding the Vallumbrosan Nuns and establishing two convents. She also composed nine Latin sermons and wrote verses to the Virgin Mary.
When did Saint Humility live?
Saint Humility lived from approximately 1226 to May 22, 1310. Her life spanned the 13th and early 14th centuries.
Where did Saint Humility found her convents?
She founded her first monastery, Santa Maria Novella alla Malta, outside Faenza. Her second convent was established in Florence, dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist.
What was Saint Humility's birth name?
Saint Humility was born Rosanna Negusanti before taking the religious name Humilitas when she became a canoness.
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