St. Germaine Cousin chose Joy and Love for Her Story!
Her feast day is today.
Her life had the outline of a fairytale – evil stepmother, cruel treatment, and yet – a beautiful disposition. She was born in 1579 with a deformed right hand and neck; her dear mother died when Germaine was only five; and her devoted father died soon after he had remarried a woman that detested the sight and thought of her. Her living quarters was in the family barn.
She was a shepherdess tending to sheep in the field every day, trusting God so much she would leave the flock and walk to daily Mass, knowing the sheep would not stray in God’s care. It was even witnessed that the flooded river in her village parted for St. Germaine to cross so she wouldn’t be late for Mass. Because of this and many more miraculous events the townspeople looked upon her as extraordinary in God’s sight, which only angered her stepmother even more.
One day when she went off to town to share her bread for the day with the poor her stepmother had followed her. Once she got to the town square, the nasty woman accused the child of stealing food and made her in front of all around open her apron to reveal the bread. However, when she did it wasn’t bread that was inside the apron it was beautiful flowers that would not have been in bloom at that time of year. The child handed her stepmother one of the prettiest blooms saying, “Please accept this flower, Mother. God sends it to you in sign of His forgiveness.”
Saint Germaine diedat 22. On that night two monks reported seeing bright angles descending. Then with them a young luminescent woman with a floral garland be escorted into the sky.
Forty years after her death her grave was opened so a relatives could be buried. Her body was found to be as peaceful as the day it was laid to rest.
More than 400 miracles and graces were recorded. Her remains are in an ornate reliquary in the church she attended.
St. Germaine Cousin, patron of victims of child abuse, pray for all children living in heartbreaking conditions. Surround them with legions of angels and the loving care of God our Father. Amen!
Painting by Raoul du Fraud de Pibrac, c. 1910.
