Blessed Sibyllina Biscossi

Biography

Blessed Sibyllina Biscossi, also known as Sibyllina of Pavia, was born in 1287 in Pavia, Lombardy, Italy. Unfortunately, she was orphaned at a very young age and did not receive any formal education. By the age of 10, Sibyllina was already working as a domestic servant to make a living. Tragically, she became blind at the tender age of 12, but the cause of her blindness remains unknown to us.

Despite her difficult circumstances, Sibyllina's unwavering faith and devotion led her to be adopted by a community of Dominican tertiaries in Pavia. It was during this time that she developed a deep devotion to Saint Dominic, hoping for his intercession to restore her sight. However, when her sight was not miraculously restored, she accepted it as God's will for her life.

At the age of 15, Sibyllina felt a strong call to live a life of solitude and prayer. She became a recluse and took up residence in a walled-up cell. Within the confines of her small abode, she dedicated her life to fervent prayer, penance, and acts of charity. It did not take long for news of her holiness and spiritual gifts to spread throughout the region, and her cell soon became a destination for pilgrims seeking her advice and healing.

One of Sibyllina's remarkable gifts was her ability to sense the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. On one occasion, a priest passed by her window on his way to administer the Sacrament to a sick person. Sibyllina informed him that the host he carried was not consecrated. Surprised, the priest checked and realized that he had indeed taken a host from the wrong container. This incident demonstrated Sibyllina's extraordinary connection to the divine.

Throughout her more than 60 years of seclusion, Sibyllina performed numerous miracles and tirelessly spread devotion to the Holy Spirit. Her unwavering piety and closeness to God made her a revered figure among the people of Pavia. Her cell became a place of solace, where people sought her guidance and intercession.

Blessed Sibyllina Biscossi passed away on 19 March 1367 in Pavia, Italy, due to natural causes. She was buried in the Dominican church in Pavia. In a remarkable testament to her sanctity, her body was found incorrupt in 1854. Pope Pius IX beatified her on 17 August 1854, confirming her cultus and recognizing her profound holiness. Her feast days are celebrated on 19 March, 1 November, and 20 March in Pavia, Italy. Some calendars also commemorate her on 23 March.

Blessed Sibyllina Biscossi's life serves as an inspiring example of faith, perseverance, and devotion, demonstrating that even in the midst of personal hardships, one can find solace and communion with God through prayer and self-surrender. Her unwavering trust in God's plan and her ability to bring comfort and healing to others have made her a beloved figure in the Catholic tradition.