Blessed Eustochium of Padua
Blessed Eustochium of Padua (born February 2, 1444 AD in Padua, Veneto, Italy; died February 13, 1469 AD in Padua, Veneto, Italy) was an Italian Benedictine nun in Padua who lived a life of extraordinary asceticism and mystical experience, whose sanctity was vindicated by the Bishop of Padua after suspicions of demonic obsession were raised against her. Her cult was confirmed locally in Padua. Her feast day is February 13.
Stored in Cargo: Blessed Eustochium of Padua
| Blessed Eustochium of Padua | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | February 13 |
| Profession | Benedictine nun at the Convent of San Prosdocimo, Padua; ascetic; mystic; 15th-century Italian Benedictine holy woman; illegitimate daughter of a professed Benedictine nun; vindicated by Bishop Pietro Barozzi of Padua |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Benedictine Order (OSB); Convent of San Prosdocimo, Padua; Venetian Benedictine tradition; 15th-century Italian female mysticism; local Padua Catholic tradition |
| Patronage | Padua; Benedictine nuns; those born of irregular unions who seek holiness; mystics falsely accused; those who suffer unjust suspicion; the Veneto |
| Attributes | Black Benedictine habit; lily; cross; February 13 feast; Padua skyline; palm of innocence (vindicated) |
| Birthplace | Padua, Veneto, Italy |
| Death Place | Padua, Veneto, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural death; died February 13, 1469, in Padua; Blessed Eustochium of Padua was the illegitimate daughter of Lucrezia Bellini, a Benedictine nun at the Convent of San Prosdocimo in Padua (thus she was born of a professed religious); she entered the same Convent of San Prosdocimo and lived a life of intense asceticism; she was accused of being possessed by the devil (because of the extreme and unusual nature of her ascetical practices and mystical states); she was subjected to various investigations and trials; she was ultimately vindicated by Bishop Pietro Barozzi of Padua, who recognized her holiness; she died in Padua on February 13, 1469; her cult was confirmed locally |
| Primary Shrine | Padua, Veneto, Italy; February 13 feast; local Benedictine veneration |
| Liturgical Class | Not in universal Roman calendar; February 13 feast in Padua and in the local Venetian Benedictine tradition |
| Historic Class | Not in 1962 calendar |
Biography
Eustochium of Padua was born February 2, 1444, in Padua. She was born illegitimately — her mother, Lucrezia Bellini, was a Benedictine nun at the Convent of San Prosdocimo in Padua.
Despite the circumstances of her birth, Eustochium herself entered the Convent of San Prosdocimo, taking her vows and living as a Benedictine nun. She pursued an intense life of asceticism and contemplative prayer, with extreme mortifications and mystical states.
Her unusual spiritual experiences led some within and without the convent to accuse her of being diabolically possessed or obsessed. She was subjected to investigations and various trials. Bishop Pietro Barozzi of Padua ultimately vindicated her, recognizing her holiness and the genuineness of her mystical life.
She died February 13, 1469, in Padua, aged 25.
Her cult was confirmed locally in Padua. Her feast day is February 13.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Padua, Veneto, Italy
Death location: Padua, Veneto, Italy
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Feast day
February 13
Veneration
Blessed Eustochium of Padua (1444–1469) was an Italian Benedictine nun in Padua who lived a brief life of intense asceticism and mysticism, was falsely accused of diabolical possession, was vindicated by Bishop Pietro Barozzi, and died at age 25 on February 13, 1469; venerated locally in the Benedictine tradition of Padua. Feast February 13.
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