Blessed Imelda Lambertini

Biography

Blessed Imelda Lambertini was born in 1322 in Bologna, Italy, to Count Egano Lambertini and Castora Galuzzi. From a young age, she displayed a deep devotion to prayer and a strong desire for religious life. Imelda's home became a place of devotion as she created a little oratory where she would spend much of her time in prayer.

Recognizing her daughter's faithfulness and longing for a religious vocation, Imelda's parents enrolled her as a student at the Dominican Convent of Valdi-Pietra in Bologna. Imelda embraced the Dominican way of life, immersing herself in the teachings and disciplines of the order.

Imelda had a profound love for several saints, including Saint Agnes of Rome, whom she greatly admired and may have even had visions of. She also developed a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, particularly as Queen of Angels, as well as to the Holy Eucharist.

The apex of Imelda's spiritual journey occurred on 12 May 1333 when, miraculously, she received her First Communion. In that sacred moment, as she received the body and blood of Christ, she experienced an overwhelming ecstasy of love and joy. Shortly after receiving her First Communion, Imelda peacefully passed away, as though her soul was completely fulfilled by the union with her beloved Lord.

Blessed Imelda Lambertini's representation is often depicted as a very young Dominican novice. In these depictions, she is seen kneeling before an altar on which a sacred Host, symbolizing the Holy Eucharist, appears above her. This representation beautifully captures the profound significance that the Eucharist had in Imelda's life.

Imelda's feast day is celebrated on 12 May, the same day on which she received her First Communion and passed away. Her incorrupt relics are venerated at the Church of Saint Sigismund in Bologna.

Recognizing her holiness and the profound impact of her life, Pope Leo XII beatified Blessed Imelda Lambertini on 20 December 1826, confirming her cultus and her status as a blessed. Through her inspiring example and intercession, Imelda continues to be a source of inspiration and a model for young people and all those who seek a deeper relationship with Christ through the sacraments.