Jan 1, 2019

β›ͺ Saint Zedislava Berka - Lay Dominican, Foundress, Mother, and Wife

Saint Zedislava Berka,
Pray for us!
β›ͺ Saint of the Day: January 1

 β›ͺ Memorial:  β€’ 1 January β€’ 30 May (region of the Czech Republic) β€’ 4 January (Dominicans)

β›ͺ Other Names:
β€’ Zdislava Berka β€’ Zedislava Berkiana β€’ Zdislava of Lemberk

β›ͺ Attributes:
β€’ Depicted as a Dominican tertiary with a crucifix wound around with roses β€’ lying in the place of a sick person in bed

β›ͺ Patronage:
β€’ Difficult Marriages β€’  People ridiculed for their piety

Saint Zedislava Berka, also known as Zdislava of Lemberk, was a remarkable figure who lived in the 13th century in what is now the Czech Republic. She is celebrated for her devotion to God, her dedication to family life, and her commitment to serving others.

Born into a noble family, Zedislava embraced the Dominican spirituality and way of life, despite being a laywoman. She lived out her faith with great fervor, integrating prayer, study, and service into her daily routine.

Zedislava's life took a significant turn when she married a nobleman named Havel of Markvartice. Together, they had four children, and Zedislava devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, raising her children with love and instilling in them the values of faith and compassion.

Despite her familial responsibilities, Zedislava remained deeply committed to her spiritual life, becoming known for her acts of charity and her devotion to the poor and sick. She opened her home to those in need, providing food, shelter, and comfort to all who sought her help.

Zedislava's life of prayer and service inspired others, and she soon became recognized as a spiritual leader in her community. With her husband's support, she founded a hospital and a monastery, where she cared for the sick and provided for the education of young women.

After her husband's death, Zedislava joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic, embracing a life of poverty and humility. She continued her works of charity and devotion until her death in 1252.

Saint Zedislava Berka is remembered as a model of holiness, humility, and love. Her life exemplifies the Dominican values of prayer, study, and service, and she continues to inspire Christians around the world, particularly laypeople, mothers, and wives, to live out their faith with joy and dedication.

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