Ever since I was a small child, I knew in my heart that what happened during Consecration was something beyond this earth, something AWEsome, in the true sense of the word. Although I didn’t understand it all, I knew and felt this was something wonderful.
After living through some spiritual peaks and valleys, I began to love Jesus in the Eucharist, especially during Adoration. It seems my soul was drawn in a very deep way to the Blessed Sacrament. After a turbulent time in my life, I felt God was truly healing me there in front of His Son.
After marriage and children I came upon a book Patron Saint of First Communicants—the Story of Blessed Imelda Lambertini written by Mary Fabyan Windeatt. It was just a few years before my son’s First Holy Communion. I was so excited to read the story to him of a young girl who lived in Bologna 1322 and could not wait to receive her First Holy Communion.
At that time, First Holy Communion was not made until a person was 12 years old, according to the author. Her mother would often take her to donate food to the sisters at a convent. This sparked her interest in serving the Lord.
Her love for the religious life began to grow. At age 9 she was placed in a Dominican convent at her own request. There she entered religious life. However, Imelda was not allowed to receive Jesus because of the practice at that time. She begged the sisters and even priests to PLEASE let her receive Jesus.
One day after being turned down once again, Imelda remained in the chapel after the sisters left. Heart-broken and on her knees, she begged the dear Lord to come out of the tabernacle to her. Miraculously, He did. The host floated until it was suspended in the air just above her.
The sisters returned to the chapel to check on Imelda. When they discovered this miracle, they summoned the priest who took the host and decided it was God’s will that Imelda receive Jesus.
The radiant joy from her face astounded everyone. According to Windeatt’s version, the sisters left her alone in prayer. When they returned sometime later, they discovered Imelda still joyous, but unresponsive. She had peacefully passed away at age 11.
It wasn’t until later that they remembered Imelda saying, “Tell me, can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die?” She was granted her wish. Sometime later, children were able to receive Jesus at a younger age. Blessed Imelda’s incorrupt body can be seen in the church of San Sigismondo in Bologna.
So as Communion season rolls around, remember to invoke Blessed Imelda on behalf of the First Communicants. Her feastday is May 13. Let us make her St. Imelda soon! I know she has blessed my children. May she also bless yours!
Copyright © 2013, Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell, from Chicago, is a devout Catholic who likes to mix the divine truth with humor. She thinks it's the only way we can get through this life! Mary is the mother of three and has been married to her husband, Philip, more than 20 years. She has attempted to live the vows as a Secular Franciscan for about 20 years, but has a long way to go.
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Such an interesting saint story! Thanks for sharing it, Mary!