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| Saint Lutgardis, Pray for us! |
Saint Lutgardis of Aywières, also known as Saint Lutgarde, was a 13th-century mystic and one of the earliest known saints associated with the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here's a detailed account of her life:
Early Life:
Lutgardis was born in Tongeren, in present-day Belgium, in 1182. She was born into a noble family, and her early life was marked by privilege. At the age of twelve, her parents sent her to the Benedictine convent of Sainte-Catherine near Sint-Truiden, primarily as a place to receive an education and possibly to increase her chances of making a good marriage.
Religious Calling:
Lutgardis initially had no intention of becoming a nun and enjoyed the social aspects of the convent life. However, at the age of eighteen, she experienced a profound religious conversion. According to tradition, she had a vision of Christ showing her His wounds and inviting her to a deeper relationship with Him. This vision inspired her to take her religious vows and commit her life to God.
Mystical Experiences:
Lutgardis became known for her mystical experiences and deep prayer life. She had frequent visions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other saints. One of her most notable experiences was the revelation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, long before the devotion became widespread. She often spoke of Christ's immense love for humanity and His desire for souls to turn to Him.
Life at Aywières:
After some years at the convent of Sainte-Catherine, Lutgardis felt called to a more austere and contemplative life. In 1205, she transferred to the Cistercian Abbey of Aywières in Brabant (modern-day Belgium). There, she spent the remaining thirty years of her life in prayer, contemplation, and penance.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart:
Lutgardis's devotion to the Sacred Heart was profound. She is considered one of the first promoters of this devotion, which emphasized the love and compassion of Christ. Her visions and mystical experiences contributed significantly to the later development of the devotion, which became popular through the efforts of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century.
Miracles and Gifts:
Saint Lutgardis was known for her spiritual gifts, including healing, prophecy, and the ability to read hearts. She was also reported to have experienced the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, although she prayed for these to be hidden.
Death and Canonization:
Lutgardis died on June 16, 1246. Her reputation for holiness and the miracles attributed to her intercession led to her beatification by Pope Clement XI in 1710. She was canonized as a saint, and her feast day is celebrated on June 16th.
Legacy:
Saint Lutgardis is remembered as a mystic who experienced a profound intimacy with Christ. Her life of prayer, penance, and devotion to the Sacred Heart continues to inspire many. She is venerated especially in Belgium and among those devoted to the Sacred Heart.
Saint Lutgardis's life exemplifies the power of divine love and the transformative impact of mystical union with Christ. Her legacy endures through her contributions to Christian spirituality and her role in the early promotion of the Sacred Heart devotion.
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