St. Fina
Saint Fina
When She Lived:
Saint Fina’s life is typically dated from 1238 to 1253. She was born on March 31, 1238, and passed away on March 12, 1253, at the tender age of 15. Her brief but impactful existence left a lasting legacy in her town and in the hearts of many believers.
Where She Lived:
Saint Fina spent her entire life in San Gimignano, a charming medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. San Gimignano was known for its well-preserved towers, and it provided the backdrop for the young saint’s life of sanctity.
Notable World Events During Her Life:
- The Mongol Empire’s Expansion: During Saint Fina’s lifetime, the Mongol Empire, led by figures such as Kublai Khan, continued its expansion, significantly impacting vast regions of Asia and Europe.
- The Albigensian Crusade: The Albigensian Crusade, a military campaign initiated by the Catholic Church against the Cathars in southern France, was ongoing during Saint Fina’s life. This event had significant religious and political implications.
- The Development of Gothic Architecture: The construction of iconic Gothic cathedrals, such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral, was a remarkable architectural achievement of the time, reflecting the flourishing of medieval craftsmanship.
- The Works of Thomas Aquinas: The influential theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas was active during Saint Fina’s era. His writings profoundly impacted medieval scholasticism and continue to be studied to this day.
Her Patronage:
Saint Fina is the patron saint of those who suffer from bodily ailments, particularly those related to physical disabilities and illness. She is also invoked by those facing financial difficulties, as her own life was marked by poverty, humility, and acceptance of God’s will.
Early Life
Saint Fina was known for her acts of perseverance. Even when faced with challenges, she remained calm and trusted the Lord.
Saint Fina, also called Serafina or Saraphina, was born in 1238 in San Gimignano, Italy. Her parents were Cambio and Imperiera Ciardi. Her family was said to have been of noble descent but had gone through a series of unfortunate events that had left them impoverished.
Saint Fina was said to have been a very beautiful and intelligible child while growing up. She had shown a special kind of love for God and had exhibited this love by giving to the needy even when she lacked.
Some historical accounts describe Saint Fina as a recluse. She was taught basic crafts and was said to have spent her day sewing.
Saint Fina only left her home to go to Mass. She was strongly devoted to the Blessed Virgin and spent most of her time praying, even as a child.
Circa 1248, when Saint Fina was around ten years old, she came down with a sudden illness. This illness ate her insides, deteriorating her body and paralyzing her limbs. Around this time, Fina’s father passed away ,leaving her and her mother all alone.
She was in constant pain but did not let that influence her attitude toward people or life in general. If anything, her faith in God deepened as she believed that she was going through this for a reason.
Dedication and Devotion
Saint Fina chose to do away with the little comfort that her mother could provide. Instead of a sickbed, she chose to lay on an oak plank.
Because of her illness, Saint Fina could only lay on one side of her body. This caused the sores on her body to fuse with the plank pallet. Her body was attacked by worms and insects, her flesh rotted, and still she did not complain.
Her mother managed to provide for both of them by working or begging on the streets. This caused her to leave Fina alone for long hours at Astra. Fina took this in good faith, remained joyful, and never grumbled.
Sometime after Fina’s affliction began, her mother passed away. Thus, the little care that Fina received was gone too.
Saint Fina remained devoted to God and spent her days praying, asking for the intercession of Saints. She thirsted for the day that her soul would be removed from her body.
It was during this period that she started to show immense reverence for Saint Gregory the Great. Gregory was also afflicted by illness during his time, and she took strength in the fact that, like her, he persevered.
Saint Fina survived on the off-hand attention shown to her by her neighbors. Although they cared, they were irritated by the sores on her destroyed body and refused to touch her. This caused her illness to progress severely.
Finda was taken care of by her friend and nurse, Beldia, though her sickness worsened.
On the 4th of March, 1253, while praying to God, Saint Gregory appeared to Fina and told her to rejoice because she would be joining the angels in eight days.
Death and Canonization
As predicted, Saint Fina died on March 12, 1253. She was 15 years old.
After her death, miracles were reported to have followed her. When her body was said to have been lifted off the pallet on which it had rested for five years, the people could see a growth of white violets. Her room also smelled like flowers.
When Saint Fina’s body was being transported, her nurse Beldia held onto her hand. It is reported that Beldia’s arm, which had become paralyzed from years of supporting Fina’s body, suddenly healed. This was one of the various miraculous healings around her body.
Saint Fina was never properly canonized. She is called Blessed Fina Bymany. However, she is celebrated on the 12th of March, which is her official feast day, and the 1st Sunday of August.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Fina
- Did you know that White Violets are sometimes called Saint Fina’s?
flowers? The flowers still grow on the walls of San Gimignano.
today. - Did you know that church bells rang unattended while Saint Fina’s
body was carried through the streets? - Did you know that Saint Fina is the Patron Saint of disabled people?
and spinners? - Did you know that a sick person who visited Saint Fina’s grave even
After many years, was cured? - Did you know that there is a hospital dedicated to Saint Fina? It
caters to the old, the poor, and even pilgrims.
Prayer to St. Fina
Glorious Saint Fina, beloved daughter of Mary and Jesus, although in great pain, you served God with humility and confidence. You persevered until death and gained the crown of eternal life. Now you can enjoy the glorious vision of God in Heaven. Dear Saint Fina, make my troubles your own. Speak a word for me to the Immaculate Heart of Mary to obtain by her powerful intercession the grace I yearn for so ardently. Please obtain for me from God the graces I hope for from the infinite goodness of our Blessed Lord, especially (mention your petition). Saint Fina, pray for me and for all who implore your assistance. Amen.
Source:[http://www.boldradish.com/2011/07/prayer-to-saint-seraphina-st-fina.html?m=1]{.ul}
