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Feast Day: February 16
Death: February 16, 1236
Blessed Filippa Mareri, also known as Philippa Mareria, was born around the year 1195 in Mareri, a small village near Rieti, Italy. Little is known about her early life and family background, but her remarkable journey towards holiness began when she had the privilege of meeting Saint Francis of Assisi in her parents' home.
Inspired by the encounter with Saint Francis, Filippa Mareri felt a deep call to dedicate her life to God. At a young age, she decided to embrace a life of seclusion and became a hermit on a mountain above her village. As a hermit, she lived a life of prayer, penance, and self-denial, dedicating herself entirely to the service of God and seeking His divine will.
Driven by a desire for deeper spiritual growth and seeking guidance in her solitary life, Filippa Mareri sought the counsel of Blessed Roger of Todi, a Franciscan friar known for his wisdom and holiness. With his help and support, Filippa founded a Franciscan convent in the town of Rieti, Italy. The convent, which became known as the Monastery of St. Clare, followed the Poor Clare tradition, a branch of the Franciscan order.
Under the guidance of Blessed Roger of Todi, Filippa Mareri was elected as the abbess of the newly established Franciscan convent. As the abbess, she took on the responsibility of leading and guiding the community of nuns, providing them with spiritual nourishment, and fostering a life of poverty, humility, and devotion.
Blessed Filippa Mareri's leadership and example were marked by her unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Franciscan spirituality, including living a life of poverty, humility, and embracing the simplicity of Christ. Her deep devotion to prayer and contemplation allowed her to draw closer to God, and her dedication to serving others offered a profound witness to the love and compassion of Christ.
Blessed Filippa Mareri's diligent efforts and perseverance in living out the Gospel attracted many souls seeking spiritual guidance, and her convent flourished under her leadership. Through her kind and gentle manner, she touched the lives of many, inspiring them to grow in faith and holiness.
After a life spent in the service of God and her community, Blessed Filippa Mareri passed away on 16 February 1236 in Borgo San Pietro, Rieti, Italy. Her sanctity and the impact of her life were widely recognized, and she was beatified by Pope Pius VII on 30 April 1806, with her heroic virtues being officially confirmed.
The legacy of Blessed Filippa Mareri continues to inspire men and women to embrace a life of prayer, humility, and devotion. Her example of living a contemplative life while actively serving others serves as a reminder that holiness can be achieved in the ordinary moments of life. Today, she is remembered as a devoted follower of Saint Francis, a beacon of faith, and an intercessor for all those who seek spiritual growth and closeness to God.