Giovanna da Signa

Blessed Giovanna da Signa (1245 – 9 November 1307) was an Italian Roman Catholic from Florence and a recluse with a reputation for being a miracle worker.[1] Her life was spent in silent solitude dedicated to God and she remained a virgin her life as part of her consecration to God.[2]

Blessed
Giovanna da Signa
Her remains in its urn.
Laywoman
Bornca. 1245
Signa, Florence, Republic of Florence
Died9 November 1307 (aged 62)
Signa, Florence, Republic of Florence
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church
Beatified21 September 1798, Florence, Grand Duchy of Tuscany by Pope Pius VI
Feast
PatronageSigna

Her beatification was celebrated in Florence under Pope Pius VI in 1798 – the last beatification of the pope's reign.

Life

Giovanna was born in Signa in a castle along the Arno River in Florence.[2]

In 1268 she became a recluse in a small cave in Signa and decided to consecrate her life – and indeed her entire period of solitude – to God while deciding to remain chaste in further service to him. She garnered a formidable reputation for working miracles in her life though at least six have been recorded during her life.[2][1]

Giovanna died on 9 November 1307 and her remains housed in the church of San Giovanni Battista. Her local "cultus" (or popular devotion) gained considerable impetus in 1348 after the cessation of an epidemic that was credited to her intercession. The Vallombrosans and the Franciscans have claimed her as a member as have the Carmelites and Augustinians but this is proven to be falsified information.[1] 21 miracles were credited to her for an undetermined period after her death.[2]

Celebrations were held from 16 November 2006 until 16 November 2007 to mark seven centuries since her death; Pope Benedict XVI issued a special indulgence for those that participated in special events for those commemorations.[1]

Beatification

Pope Pius VI beatified the late recluse on 21 September 1798 during his exile in Florence. Her beatification was the last to be celebrated in that pope's reign. Her annual liturgical feast is affixed for the date of her death.

References
  1. "Joan of Signa, Bl". Encyclopedia.com. 2003. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  2. "The Beata Giovanna da Signa". Comune di Signa. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
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