Edit Saints: Saint Fina

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Saint Fina, also known as Seraphina or Fina dei Ciardi, was a young Italian woman from San Gimignano who is venerated for her profound faith and endurance through suffering. Born into a family of noble lineage but reduced circumstances, Fina's life was marked by illness from a young age. Despite her physical ailments, she lived a life of prayer and charitable works, remaining joyful and devoted to God until her death at the age of 15. Her story is one of humility, patience, and faith, with numerous miracles attributed to her, including the miraculous blooming of violets from the wood of her deathbed. ==Biography== === Birth === Fina was born in 1238 in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy. === Early Life === From a very young age, she was known for her piety and devotion, spending much of her time in prayer despite her family's poverty. === Occupation === Though not formally employed due to her health, she engaged in household tasks and charitable acts while bedridden. === Vocation === Her vocation was one of spiritual endurance and prayer, serving as an inspiration to the people of San Gimignano. === Death === Fina died on March 12, 1253, in San Gimignano, after years of suffering from a debilitating illness. ==Significant events== * Became known for her steadfast faith and charity despite her suffering. * Experienced a vision of Saint Gregory the Great, who predicted her death. == Death == Fina passed away from her long-standing illness, with her death marked by the miraculous blooming of violets from her bed. ==Canonization== === Servant of God === Her recognition as a saint was traditional, based on her life and the miracles attributed to her. === Venerable === Not applicable as this title was formalized later. === Beatification === Not formally beatified; her sanctity was recognized through popular veneration. === Canonization === Canonized in 1255, shortly after her death, based on the miracles and the impact of her life on the community of San Gimignano. ==Miracles== === Miracle for beatification === Not applicable as her recognition was traditional. === Miracle for canonization === Not applicable; however, numerous miracles were recognized post-mortem: * Miraculous blooming of violets from her deathbed. * Healing miracles at her tomb, including the healing of her nurse Beldia's hand. === Other notable miracles === - The spontaneous ringing of all the bells in San Gimignano at the moment of her death. ==Patronage== Fina is the patron saint of handicapped individuals and of San Gimignano, where she is deeply revered. ==Feast day== Saint Fina's feast day is celebrated on March 12. ==Veneration== She is venerated locally in San Gimignano, where her relics are housed in the Chapel of Saint Fina in the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Her life and miracles are celebrated with processions on her feast day. ==Books== === Written about the saint === * Limited written works, mostly hagiographies and local histories of San Gimignano. === Written by the saint === No known writings by Saint Fina exist. ==External links== * [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=2172 Catholic Online - Saint Fina] * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Fina Wikipedia - Saint Fina] * [https://www.newmanconnection.com/saints/saint-fina Newman Connection - Saint Fina] ==References== {{Reflist}}