Feast day: January 30
When Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti’s younger sister married before she did, she became so jealous that she made herself, as well as her family, miserable. Her actions became so intolerable that her family sent her off to a Franciscan convent. Once there, Hyacintha refused to accept the values of her new lifestyle. Instead, she rebelled against the Franciscans’ simple ways and used her personal money to live luxuriously and extravagantly.
She lived in this manner for quite some time, until she fell so ill that her confessor had to bring Communion to her room. He was appalled at the lifestyle that she was leading, and he advised her to live more humbly. Surprisingly, Hyacintha took his advice, and began to acquaint herself with more humble food, clothing, and menial work.
Hyacintha soon began to thrive at the convent, developed a special devotion to the sufferings of Jesus, and became an inspiration to her sisters.
(Image in public domain)