Blessed Rosalina Of Villeneuve

Biography

Biography of Blessed Rosalina of Villeneuve:

Blessed Rosalina, also known as Roseline, Roselyne, Rosalinde, or Rossolina, was born in 1267 in a castle at Villeneuve, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France. She was born into an ancient and noble family and was the daughter of Count Arnaud.

From a young age, Rosalina exhibited a compassionate and benevolent nature. She would often slip away from her family's castle to offer food to the poor and needy outside. Her acts of charity did not go unnoticed, and her father became aware that she was giving away expensive meals. Consequently, he ordered her to stop, and Rosalina, saddened but obedient, refrained from her charitable acts for about a week.

Despite her father's order, the sight of beggars at the castle door deeply moved Rosalina. Late one night, unable to resist her compassionate nature any longer, she filled her apron with food and headed towards the doors. Unfortunately, her father caught her in the act and demanded to know what she was carrying. When Rosalina opened her apron, it was revealed to be filled with beautiful roses, instead of the food her father expected. Touched by this miraculous display, her father immediately ordered the cooks to feed everyone at the door, recognizing the divine sign that had occurred.

Inspired by her virtuous nature and her mystical experiences, Rosalina decided to dedicate her life to God. She became a Carthusian nun, entering the monastery of Bertrand in the Diocese of Gap, France. Later, she became the Prioress of Celle-Roubaud in Provence, France. Her devotion and piety were exemplary, leading her mother to join the same religious order, and her brother to build a church for their monastery.

Throughout her life, Blessed Rosalina experienced frequent visions and mystical phenomena. She possessed the gift of reading hearts, enabling her to discern the thoughts and intentions of others. Her holiness and close union with the Divine made her a source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance to those around her.

In a particularly notable instance, while her brother Hélian was fighting in the Crusades, he was captured and held captive. It is said that he was miraculously freed from his chains and led safely home across the seas by a vision of Rosalina who appeared to him in a cloud of roses.

Blessed Rosalina of Villeneuve passed away on 17th January 1329. Her incorrupt body was buried at Celle-Roubaud in Provence, France. Over time, her tomb became a place of pilgrimage, where countless miracles were reported.

In 1607, her relics were translated to a dedicated chapel, serving as a focal point for veneration and continued miraculous occurrences. The faith and devotion of the people led to her beatification, which took place in 1851 in Frejus, France, by Pope Blessed Pius IX. Her cultus was confirmed, and her veneration was extended to all of France in 1857.

As a lasting representation, Blessed Rosalina is often depicted as a woman holding an apron full of roses, symbolizing the miraculous event that occurred with her father. Additionally, she is portrayed as a Carthusian nun with a maniple and stole, representing her religious life and dedication to the Order.

Blessed Rosalina of Villeneuve stands as a model of compassion, devotion, and spiritual gifts, inspiring believers to serve others selflessly while remaining close to God through prayer and contemplation. Her legacy continues to touch the lives of many who seek her intercession and guidance in their spiritual journeys.