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Feast Day: September 30
Death: September 30, 1444
Blessed Felicia Meda was born in Milan, Italy in 1378. She was the eldest of three children and tragically became orphaned at a young age. Despite the hardships of her early life, Felicia took on the responsibility of caring for her younger brother and sister.
At the tender age of 12, Felicia made a personal vow of chastity, dedicating herself to a life of purity and devotion to God. As she grew older, her faith deepened, and at the age of 20, she made the decision to give away all her possessions and join the Poor Clares, a contemplative Franciscan order for women.
Felicia entered the Convent of Saint Ursula in Milan and became a nun. Her sister also followed in her footsteps, joining the Poor Clares and becoming a nun, while her brother chose a similar path and became a Franciscan friar.
Felicia's dedication and spiritual qualities were soon recognized, and she was appointed as the Abbess of the Saint Ursula convent in Milan. As Abbess, she provided spiritual guidance and leadership to her fellow sisters, nurturing their vocations and fostering a strong community within the convent.
However, Felicia's influence and impact were not limited to her role as Abbess in Milan. At the request of a duchess who recognized her personal holiness, Saint Bernardine of Siena appointed Felicia as the Abbess of a newly founded house in Pesaro, Italy. This appointment demonstrated the respect that she commanded from her peers and the recognition of her sanctity.
Felicia embraced her new role as Abbess of the Pesaro convent and continued her exemplary spiritual leadership. Her selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the religious life were an inspiration to all those around her.
Blessed Felicia Meda passed away on 30 September 1444 in Pesaro, Piceno, Italy, at the age of 66. She died peacefully of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, humility, and love for God.
Her life and virtues have been venerated by the faithful, and on 2 May 1807, she was beatified by Pope Pius VII, receiving official recognition for her cultus. Today, Blessed Felicia Meda is commemorated on her feast day, 30 September, as a model of holiness and devotion for all Catholics to emulate.