March 22: Saint Lea of Rome

Today, March 22, we celebrate the feast of Saint Lea of Rome (died 384), a Roman noblewoman who upon the death of her husband, entered the convent of Saint Marcella. Saint Lea lived her life in service to the sisters of the convent, eventually becoming the superior of the group. While little is known about the life of Saint Lea, she is remembered for her austerity, obedient lifestyle, and strict penances.


A dear friend to Saint Marcella, much of what we know of the life of Saint Lea comes from a series of letters that Saint Jerome, Church Father, wrote to Saint Marcella following her death. Even in the fourth century, shortly following her death, Saint Jerome refers to Lea as “blessed,” indicating the respect and veneration offered to her at that time. Since the fourth century, Lea has been venerated as a saint.

The news of Saint Lea’s death first reached Saint Marcella while she was engaged in prayer and study of the 73rd Psalm with Saint Jerome. Later in the day, he wrote a letter to Marcella, offering her encouragement and extolling the Christian virtues of Saint Lea.

From the twenty-third epistle of Saint Jerome, to Marcella:

"Who will praise the blessed Lea as she deserves? She renounced painting her face and adorning her head with shining pearls. She exchanged her rich attire for sackcloth, and ceased to command others in order to obey all. She dwelt in a corner with a few bits of furniture; she spent her nights in prayer, and instructed her companions through her example rather than through protests and speeches. And she looked forward to her arrival in heaven in order to receive her recompense for the virtues which she practiced on earth.

So it is that thence forth she enjoyed perfect happiness. From Abraham's bosom, where she resides with Lazarus, she sees our consul who was once decked out in purple, now vested in a shameful robe, vainly begging for a drop of water to quench his thirst. Although he went up to the capital to the plaudits of the people, and his death occasioned widespread grief, it is futile for the wife to assert that he has gone to heaven and possesses a great mansion there. The fact is that he is plunged into the darkness outside, whereas Lea who was willing to be considered a fool on earth, has been received into the house of the Father, at the wedding feast of the Lamb.

Hence, I tearfully beg you to refrain from seeking the favors of the world and to renounce all that is carnal. It is impossible to follow both the world and Jesus. Let us live a life of renunciation, for our bodies will soon be dust and nothing else will last any longer."

The life of Saint Lea was one of unexpected change and service. Following the death of her husband, she gave up her wealth and privilege, living “like a fool on earth,” in the words of Saint Jerome. Saint Lea received her reward in heaven for her obedience and austerity on earth. During this Lenten season, we might look to her example, exchanging our earthly vanity and pride for true service, true faith, and true obedience to the call of the Lord.



Year 2: Day 80 of 365
Prayer Intentions: True service, faith, and obedience.
Requested Intentions: Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).