Michelina of Pesaro (1300–1356)
Michelina of Pesaro (1300–1356)
Saint. Name variations: Michelina Malatesta; Blessed Michelina. Born Michelina Matelli in Pesaro, in the Marches of Ancona, in 1300; died on June 19, 1356; married Lord Malatesta, duke of Rimini, in 1312 (died 1320); children: one who did not survive to adulthood.
Married at 12 and widowed at 20, Michelina of Pesaro also lost her only child shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, she had befriended a Franciscan tertiary by the name of Siriana and, following the loss of her loved ones, she joined the Franciscans in their work. Striving to achieve the perfect life, she humbled herself and worked for the poor, despite her family's growing objections. They eventually declared her mad and had her imprisoned in a tower so she would no longer be an embarrassment. However, her mild-mannered ways soon won over her jailers, and she was freed to continue her good works. Along with the poor, she also devoted herself to the care of lepers, whom she treated like beloved children. Purportedly, she miraculously restored some of them to health by kissing their leprous sores. Around 1356, Michelina sensed that her life was nearing its end, and she used her remaining time to visit the Holy Land. She died returning from her pilgrimage on June 19, 1356, the feast of the Holy Trinity. Her feast day is June 19.