Saint Christina The Astonishing

Biography

Saint Christina The Astonishing, also known as Christina Mirabilis or Christine the Admirable, was born in 1150 to a peasant family in Brusthem near Liege, Belgium. Unfortunately, she lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her two older sisters. At the age of 21, Christina experienced a severe seizure, possibly due to epilepsy, which rendered her in a catatonic state. She was even believed to have died, and a funeral Mass was held for her. However, to the astonishment of those present, she suddenly recovered during the Mass and levitated to the roof of the church. Upon the priest's insistence, Christina came down from the roof and landed on the altar. It was then that she declared to the congregation that she had been to hell, purgatory, and heaven. She further claimed that she had been sent back to the earthly realm with a specific mission to pray for the souls suffering in purgatory. From this point onwards, Christina's life took a peculiar turn, with a series of strange incidents cataloged by Thomas de Cantimpré, a contemporary Dominican professor of theology, and Cardinal Jacques de Vitny, who knew her personally. Witnesses were extensively interviewed to gather information about her extraordinary experiences. Christina possessed peculiar traits and abilities. She had an acute sensitivity to the sin in others, to the extent that she could not bear the odor of people. In order to avoid contact, she would climb trees or buildings, hide in ovens or cupboards, or simply levitate. Living a life of extreme poverty, even according to the standards of the 13th century, Christina slept on rocks, wore tattered rags, survived on begging, and ate whatever she could readily find. She engaged in self-inflicted torments and unusual behavior, such as rolling in fire or handling it without experiencing harm. She would stand in freezing water for prolonged periods during winter and spend extended periods in tombs. Christina even allowed herself to be dragged under water by a mill wheel, yet she miraculously remained unscathed. Furthermore, Christina frequently entered ecstatic states during which she claimed to lead the souls of the recently deceased to purgatory and guide those already in purgatory to heaven. Opinions regarding Christina were divided among those who knew her. Some believed she was a holy woman, touched by God, and that her actions and torments were a means of simulating the experiences of souls in purgatory. Others considered her torments to be inflicted by devils, while some attributed her behavior to insanity. However, it is worth noting that the prioress of Saint Catherine's convent testified that Christina always obediently followed the orders of the prioresses, regardless of her reported eccentricities. Christina was acquainted with Louis, Count of Looz, who she visited. She also rebuked him for his actions. Additionally, she was held in high regard by Blessed Marie of Oignies and sought for advice by Saint Lutgardis. Saint Christina The Astonishing passed away on July 24, 1224, at the age of 74, at Saint Catherine's convent in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. It is believed that she died of natural causes. Although no formal beatification has taken place, popular devotion to her exists. Sometimes she is referred to as Saint Christina, while other times she is known as Blessed Christina. Due to the unique nature of her experiences, Saint Christina The Astonishing is regarded as the patron saint against insanity, madness, mental disorders, mental handicaps, mental illness, lunatics, mental health caregivers, mental health professionals, mentally ill people, psychiatrists, and therapists.