Saint Who?
Saints Who Exemplify Devotion
to the Christ Child
Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti
Religious († 1640) Feast: January 30
Clarice Mariscotti was born to a distinguished Italian family in 1585. She showed signs of early piety but became very worldly as she grew up. Several years at a convent school brought her home resentful and willful. And when her family arranged for her younger sister to marry a nobleman, Clarice felt slighted and took vengeance with tantrums and sulking.
Finally, she decided to enter a convent. However, Sister Hyacintha, as she would now be called, intended to live according to her rank, rule or no. For a decade she followed this plan. Her lifestyle was so luxurious that a priest who came when she was sick refused her absolution. His correction humbled her, and after another illness Hyacintha was transformed.
She began a life of intense mortification, and increased her devotion to the Infant Jesus. She wore the poorest habits and took on the least desirable tasks, and learned true humility, regarding herself as the lowest of the low. She was granted the grace of miracles and discernment of hearts, and became the soul of kindness. “Our difficulties and our resignation are more pleasing to Him than vigils and forced prayers,” she told one sister who was distressed by her need for rest. “Sleep, then, seven hours in holy peace in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.” Hyacintha died at fifty-four and was canonized in 1807.
Infant Jesus, through the prayers of Saint Hyacintha, give us rest through resignation to your will.
