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Feast Day: May 19
Death: May 19, 1246
Blessed Humiliana De Cerchi, also known as Humiliana Cerchi or Umiliana de’ Cerchi, was born in 1220 in Florence, Italy. At the young age of 16, she entered into marriage but unfortunately became a widow in her youth. This loss led her to seek solace and direction in her faith.
Deeply inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, Humiliana decided to dedicate her life to God as a cloistered Franciscan tertiary. She was the first woman from Florence to embrace this way of life. As a tertiary, Humiliana maintained her residence in her family home while living a life of prayer, poverty, and service to others.
Humiliana's commitment to her faith was unwavering. Despite her wealthy background, she embraced a life of simplicity and humility. Her deep love for God and her fellow human beings guided her actions and interactions with others. Humiliana was admired for her gentle and compassionate nature, always showing kindness and generosity to those in need.
Throughout her life, Humiliana devoted herself to prayer, spending countless hours in contemplation and seeking God's presence. She often turned to the Franciscan spirituality for guidance, aspiring to live a life of poverty and love for all of creation.
Blessed Humiliana De Cerchi passed away on 19th May 1246 in Florence, Italy, at the age of 26, due to natural causes. The impact of her virtuous life and dedication to God was recognized by many, and in time she was revered as a blessed soul.
In recognition of her exemplary life and the influence she had on those around her, Blessed Humiliana De Cerchi was beatified on 24th July 1694 by Pope Innocent XII. Her beatification confirmed the cultus, or public veneration, that had developed around her.
Today, Blessed Humiliana De Cerchi is remembered on her feast day, which falls on 19th May. Her life serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking to deepen their faith, embrace simplicity, and show compassion towards others. She stands as a shining example of the transformative power of God's love in the lives of ordinary individuals.