Saint Fina
| Saint Fina | |
|---|---|
| Saint | Saint Fina |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | 1238 |
| Birthplace | San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy |
| Birth Coordinates | |
| Deathdate | March 12, 1253 |
| Death Place | San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Illness |
| Notable Location 1 | House of Fina, San Gimignano |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | |
| Notable Location 2 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 3 | |
| Notable Location 3 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 4 | |
| Notable Location 4 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 5 | |
| Notable Location 5 Coordinates | |
| Beatification Date | Not formally beatified |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes (traditional recognition) |
| Canonization Date | 1255 |
| Canonized by | |
| Canonization Location | |
| Miracle 1 | Miraculous blooming of violets from her deathbed |
| Miracle 2 | Healing miracles at her tomb |
| Miracle 3 | Spontaneous ringing of bells at her death |
| Feast Day | March 12 |
| Profession | Homemaker, Mystic |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Patronage | Handicapped individuals, San Gimignano |
| Attributes | Violets, bedridden figure, wooden pallet |
| Primary Shrine | Chapel of Saint Fina, Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, San Gimignano |
| Additional Veneration | |
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.