Saint Rose Venerini (1656-1728)
for May 7
Saint Rose Venerini was engaged to be married, but joined a convent upon the death of her fiance. Shortly thereafter, her father also passed away, and Rose returned home to comfort and care for her mother. While at home, Rose invited the neighborhood women over to pray the rosary with her. She became close with these women, forming a kind of solidarity with them. Rose's spiritual adviser convinced her that her talents would be better spent as a teacher than as a nun. Rose listened to his advice and opened up a free school for girls. Rose was so well received and successful that she was invited by the cardinal to oversee the teachers and schools in the Diocese of Montefiascone. Her talents were highly sought after and she asked to organize schools all over Italy. After Saint Rose of Venerini's passing, the group of women she had prayed the rosary with in her home were given the rank of a religious congregation. They became known as the Venerini Sisters and can be found today working with Italian immigrants in the United States.
Read more about Saint Rose Venerini (1656-1728)
Image via Wikipedia
Reflection
We often assume that saints are holy men or women religious who lived lives of extreme hardship or conflict. But Saint Rose Venerini teaches us that saints can be found in any profession and in any endeavor. As a teacher, she was successful and holy and became a saint. She was, in fact, a better, more holy, and more effective person as a lay member of the Church than as a nun. What profession are you or would you like to work in? Can you find ways to more fully include your faith in your profession?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help me to find ways to bring you to my work and to show your love to others.
