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The Life of Douceline de Digne
introduces to an English-speaking audience a 13th-century woman
mystic of great significance in the study of female spirituality in
the middle ages.
Douceline combined an active life of
community service with vigorous mysticism, and was the focus of an
intense cult in Provence after her death. The Life, probably written
by Philippa de Porcellet, a member of Douceline's community in
Marseilles, is complemented by a study of Douceline's importance in
terms of her own spiritual experience, and also as founder and
leader of the community, dedicated followers of Franciscan
spirituality.
Her father wanted her to serve the poor
whom, for the love of God, he was accustomed to looking after in his
home. The good man brought home the sick and the suffering that he
found in the streets and by the roads, and said: "My daughter, I am
bringing and giving profit to you." She received them joyfully and
with great humility, obeying her father's orders
She cared for them with great devotion,
and was not afraid to submit her body to whatever was needed for
them. Many times, for the love of the Lord, she washed their feet,
picked the vermin from their legs and their heads, and cared for
their wounds.
The more horrible and frightful they
were because of their diseases and wounds, the more zealous she was
to serve them, and the more care she gave them full of charity, she
would carry them when they were not able to walk.
Jobs
People
Saints St. Bernard St. Douceline St. Margaret
St. Radegund
St. Ambrose St. Jerome
St. Umilta
St George St Patrick
St David |
