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| Blessed Osanna of Mantua, Pray for us! |
⛪ Other Names:
• Hosanna Andreasi • Hosanna Andreassi
• Hosanna of Mantua • Osanna Andreassi
• Osanna of Mantua
⛪ Born:
17 January 1449 at Mantua, Italy
⛪ Died: 1505
Early Life: Blessed Osanna of Mantua was born as Osanna Andreasi on January 17, 1449, in Mantua, Italy. She was born into a noble family and was the youngest of seven children. From a young age, Osanna displayed a profound sense of piety and a deep desire for a life of contemplation and prayer.
Spiritual Awakening: At the age of 14, Osanna experienced a spiritual awakening when she had a vision of Jesus Christ. This vision profoundly affected her, solidifying her desire to dedicate her life to God. Despite her family's initial objections, Osanna committed herself to a life of chastity and prayer, choosing to live as a Dominican tertiary. This meant she took on the spiritual practices of the Dominican order while continuing to live at home.
Mystical Experiences: Osanna is renowned for her mystical experiences, which included visions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. She was known to have received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which further marked her life of deep union with Jesus' suffering. These mystical phenomena brought her considerable attention, and she was often sought after for spiritual counsel and guidance.
Life of Service: In addition to her mystical experiences, Osanna dedicated herself to acts of charity and service. She worked tirelessly to help the poor and the sick, often caring for those who were most marginalized in society. Her home became a place of refuge for those in need, and she provided both material and spiritual support.
Challenges and Trials: Throughout her life, Osanna faced numerous challenges, including physical illness and spiritual trials. Despite these difficulties, she remained steadfast in her faith and her commitment to serving God and others. Her perseverance in the face of suffering made her a powerful witness to the Christian life.
Death and Beatification: Blessed Osanna of Mantua died on June 18, 1505. Her life of virtue, mysticism, and charity left a lasting impact on those who knew her and on the wider Christian community. She was beatified by Pope Innocent XII on November 24, 1694, in recognition of her holy life and the numerous miracles attributed to her intercession.
Legacy and Patronage: Osanna of Mantua is remembered as a model of mysticism, service, and unwavering faith. Her feast day is celebrated on June 18. She is particularly venerated in Mantua, where her life and works continue to inspire devotion and admiration. Her life serves as a testament to the power of prayer, the reality of mystical union with God, and the importance of serving others with love and humility.
Representation: Blessed Osanna is often depicted in religious art wearing the habit of a Dominican tertiary, with the stigmata visible on her hands, symbolizing her mystical participation in Christ's suffering.
Prayer to Blessed Osanna of Mantua:
O Blessed Osanna of Mantua, you were chosen by God to receive the marks of His Passion and to experience profound mystical union with Christ. Intercede for us that we may grow in our own spiritual lives, seeking a deeper relationship with God through prayer and service. Help us to embrace our sufferings with faith and to offer them for the good of others. Guide us to live lives of charity, humility, and unwavering faith, as you did. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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| Relics of Blessed Osanna exposed in her family's palace |
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| Blessed Osanna of Mantua |