MARCH 22 SANTA LEA

The life of this saint is known to us only through the writings of Saint Jerome, who speaks of it in a letter to the gentlewoman Marcella, animator of an almost monastic female community in her residence on the Aventine. Lea is also of a noble family: remained a widow at a young age, it seemed that she should later marry an illustrious personage, Vezzio Agorio Pretestato, called to assume the dignity of consul. But instead she entered the community of Marcella, where the scriptures are studied and prayed together, living in chastity and poverty. With this choice, Lea turns ways and rhythms of her life upside down. Marcella has total trust in her: so much so that she entrusts her with the task of training young women in the life of faith and in the practice of hidden and silent charity. When Girolamo talks about it, in 384, Lea is already dead. (Avvenire)

PRAYER TO SANTA LEA

Santa Lea, be our teacher,
also teach us,
to follow the Word,
as you did,
in silence and with works.
To be humble servants,
of the poorest and the sick.
With love and faithfulness,
to please our Lord.
Amen