
The saint for February 12
Blessed Humbeline
Nun
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Optional Memorial |
Cistercian Calendar |
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Born. 1092 Died.1135 Cultus Confirmed. 1763
The vivacious and popular younger sister of St Bernard of Clairvaux. According to one account, although married to Guy de Marcy, Humbeline was so affected by a visit she undertook to her older brother that she desired to leave the world and enter the Benedictine religious order. She obtained his permission, and entered the convent at Jully les Nonnais.
Other acta of St. Bernard tell it differently, that the social butterfly was vain and proud, and that when she went out to see her brother, he could not bring himself to receive her. This broke her heart and pierced her worldliness, whereupon she is said to have cried out:
"I know I am a sinner; but did not Jesus Christ die for such persons as I am? If my brother despises my body, let not the servant of God despise my soul. Let him come, let him command, let him order — I will obey him; I will do whatever he desires me."
Then St. Bernard rushed out to greet her, and took her aside to give her counsel as to what she should do. He reminded her of the wonderful example of their mother, and counseled her to live the vocation of her married life in a holy manner. Humbeline, much chastened, returned home and began a new, converted life. She entered the convent upon the death of her husband. Eventually she was elected Abbess at Jully. She died in her brother's arms, in the odor of sanctity.
Considering especially the wording of the morning prayer of the Cistercian liturgy for her optional memorial, the latter version is probably more reliable.I may also deduce from her appearance on the Cistercian calendar, that the reference to Jully as a Benedictine monastery, does not preclude their following the stricter Cistercian offshoot of Benedict's Rule.
From the Cistercian liturgy of the day:
"God our Father, You are the hope of everyone who feels truly widowed and alone. Through the intercession of Saint Humbeline, May we submit to you in sincere humility, And so pass through the good things of this world as not to lose the good things of the world to come."
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Patronage: Loss of Parents Invoke for: Inner Conversion, Repentance |
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