Blessed Giustina Bezzoli Francucci

Blessed Giustina Bezzoli Francucci was born into a noble family in Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy, around the year 1257. From a young age, Giustina showed signs of a deeply spiritual nature and a desire for a life devoted to God. She often engaged in voluntary fasting and sought solitude to engage in fervent prayer.

However, Giustina's dreams of entering religious life were met with resistance from her parents, who were reluctant to let go of their only daughter. It was not until her father fell seriously ill and underwent a period of introspection and reflection that he finally granted his blessing for Giustina to pursue her vocation.

At the age of 12, Giustina entered the Benedictine novitiate at the monastery of San Marco with permission from her bishop. It is said that as she walked into the convent, a dove landed on her, which was interpreted as a sign of the Holy Spirit's approval of her decision.

Seeking greater solitude, Giustina obtained permission to live as a hermitess and anchoress. For 35 years, she lived in seclusion, detached from the worldly distractions, and deeply immersed in prayer and contemplation. Legend holds that during this time, when wolves would gather near her hermitage, an angel would drive them away, emphasizing the sanctity of her chosen path.

As Giustina's health began to decline, she experienced episodes of ecstasy and received visions. Eventually, her failing eyesight forced her to leave her solitary life and return to live within the safety of the convent. However, the convent later became unsafe due to civil unrest, prompting Giustina to return to her family home in 1315. She spent her remaining years there, residing with her relatives until her passing.

Blessed Giustina Bezzoli Francucci passed away on March 12, 1319, while fervently engaged in prayer. Miraculously, a white lily grew out of the stone of her tomb, signaling her holiness and the heavenly favor upon her life. In 1329, when her body was moved, it was found to be incorrupt, and it was enshrined within an iron reliquary at the Holy Spirit Benedictine monastery in Arezzo.

Centuries later, in 1709, her body was once again found incorrupt when it was transferred, solidifying her reputation for sanctity. Eventually, her relics were enshrined at the Santa Maria del Flore Benedictine monastery in Lapo, Italy, in 1968.

Blessed Giustina Bezzoli Francucci's unwavering dedication to a life of prayer, her mystical experiences, and the miracles associated with her remains have inspired countless individuals throughout the centuries. She was officially beatified on January 14, 1891, by Pope Leo XIII, who confirmed her cultus and granted her the title of "Blessed." Giustina continues to be venerated as a model of deep spirituality and devotion within the Catholic tradition.