Sibilliana Biscossi

Sibilliana Biscossi, virgin and dominican tertian

(1287-1367)

She was born in Pavia in 1287 to a noble family. She became an orphan at a young age. In addition, she lost her eyesight at the age of 12. Legend has it that Saint Dominic appeared to her. At the age of 15, she entered the Third Dominican Order at the Church of San Tommaso in Pavia, where she lived in seclusion until her death in 1367. She lived according to strict asceticism, devoting herself to contemplation and prayer. Prophetic visions were attributed to her, some of which came true. She directed advice and invitations to repent their sins to numerous believers who visited her. She wished she could be walled up in a monastery cell. She was described as "the purest virgin, enlightened by the light of the Holy Spirit, blind in body but in spirit, distinguished by signs and virtues"(virgo purissima, quae corpore caeca sed mente lumine Spiritus Sancti illustrata, signis et virtutibus eminenter claruit). She died on March 19, 1367, and since 1799 her body has lain in the Cathedral Church of Pavia. Her cult was approved by Pope Pius IX in a decree of August 17, 1854, declaring her Blessed of the Catholic Church. Her memorial falls on September 19. In Italy, she is revered as the patron saint of servants.