May 13 marks the feast day of
Saint Imelda Lambertini (1322-1333), the patron saint of First Communicants. Blessed Imelda is one of the youngest saints of the Church, joining her Maker in Heaven at age eleven. Her yearning for the Holy Eucharist, and simple faith in the Lord remind us of the words of Jesus:
"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all" (Mark 10:15).
Imelda was born into one of the oldest and wealthiest families of Bologna, Italy. Her father, a count, and her mother lavished her with every gift a child could want, but Imelda seemed to be looking for more than earthly treasures. Her parents were both devout Catholics, and Imelda was taken to Mass on a daily basis. From her mother, she learned to give her life in service to others, taking care of the poor of her town. Her mother also instructed her in the history and concept of the Holy Eucharist, which lit a fire in Imelda’s heart for a closer relationship with the Lord. Even at the young age of five, she would spend the majority of her time alone in prayer, arranging a sacred space in the corner of her room, adorned with flowers and pictures. She displayed great devotion to
Saint Agnes of Rome and Our Heavenly Mother, Mary, Queen of Angels. At her fifth birthday, following receiving many gifts, Imelda inquired of her parents if she might have just one more. Her father, angered by what he perceived to be greed, rebuked her. However, she whispered to them,
“I’d like to receive Our Lord in Holy Eucharist.”
Of course, at that time in history, Holy Communion was not granted until the age of 14, so Imelda had many years to wait. When Imelda reached the age of nine, she went to live at the Dominican convent at Val di Pietra, her wish to be trained by the nuns and enter the religious life. While such young girls were seldom accepted into the convent, Imelda’s holiness and zeal for the Lord was soon realized and inspired the community. She received the Dominican habit soon after her entry in the convent. She was especially devoted to the Eucharist, falling into ecstasy at Mass, before the Tabernacle, and at exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The one true desire of her heart was to receive the Eucharist, frequently stating,
“Tell me, can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die?"
On the feast of the
Ascension, when Imelda was eleven, her yearning for the Holy Eucharist was fulfilled. Following Mass, after her sisters had received Communion, Imelda remained behind in the chapel in prayer. One nun, having returned for her, was amazed to see a Eucharistic Host, surrounded by a warm light, hovering in the air above Imelda. She summoned a priest, who when confronted with this miraculous occurrence, had little choice but to grant Imelda her first Eucharist on the spot. Imelda received the Lord, and sunk into rapturous ecstasy. Her sisters left her to pray alone in joy, and upon returning, found that she had died, her heart broken from the love she felt for God and the joy she experienced in their union.
Blessed Imelda Lambertini’s life was driven by a single purpose—to have a closer relationship with the Lord who created her. Her drive, the very reason her heart beat, led her to the Eucharist—the source of life and hope for each of us. We pray that we remain conscious of the great gift that we receive in the Eucharist, and that we never take for granted or doubt the important role this awesome privilege plays in our humble lives!
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Day 133of 365
Prayer Intentions: Faith of a child; Conscious realization of the gift of the Eucharist.
Requested Intentions: Successful adoption (S); Healing of a father battling cancer (S); For the guidance of Our Blessed Mother (A); Recovery from a stroke (R); Personal intentions (S); Recovery of a sick brother-in-law (K); Favor from the Lord in restoration of a life (K); End to Schizophrenia (A); For financial recovery and successful marriage (A); For restoration of a marriage (K); For financial security and housing for a son (B).Psalm: Psalm 19: God’s Glory in the Heavens and in the Law
Indeed an excellent piety to be done and followed conscientiously too. Fr Paul Ikechukwu OGUJIOFFOR (OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA)