No image available
Feast Day: February 3
Death: February 3, 1240
Blessed Balbina of Assisi, also known as Blessed Balbina of Spello, was born in 1214 in Assisi, Italy. She was a spiritual student of Saint Clare of Assisi, who deeply influenced her spiritual journey. Inspired by the life of Saint Clare, Balbina decided to dedicate her life to God and became a Poor Clare nun.
She entered the Monastery of San Damiano, a renowned center of contemplative life established by Saint Clare. Balbina embraced the Franciscan values of poverty, humility, and total dependence on God's providence. Through her profound dedication and love for God, she became a model of holiness for her fellow sisters.
Balbina played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Poor Clare Monastery in Spello, Italy. Alongside other fervent followers of Saint Clare, she actively participated in the foundation of this new monastery. The Poor Clare Monastery in Spello became a beacon of prayer, contemplation, and a refuge for those seeking spiritual guidance.
Balbina's life was characterized by a humble submission to God's will, selfless service, and a deep devotion to the Eucharist. She embraced a life of poverty, never seeking personal possession or worldly comforts. Her total trust in divine providence and her unwavering faith in God were evident in her every action, inspiring those around her to seek a more profound relationship with God.
On February 3, 1240, Balbina passed away in Spello, Italy, at the age of 26. Her death was seen as a great loss for the community, but also as a passage into eternal joy. The Martyrologium Franciscanum of Father Arthur Du Monstier recognizes February 3 as the feast day of Blessed Balbina, a day dedicated to honoring her life and example.
Although she has not been officially canonized or beatified, Blessed Balbina of Assisi is venerated for her exceptional virtues and her profound commitment to the Franciscan way of life. Her life continues to inspire countless individuals to seek God in simplicity and to embrace a life of selflessness, prayer, and contemplation.