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Image: Blessed Imelda Lambertini
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The 12th of May is the feast day of Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322 – May 12, 1333). She is the patron saint of First Holy Communicants.
Her family was noble and devout living in Bologna Italy. She developed a love for the Holy Mass, the Eucharist and prayer as a child. Spending much time with the Dominican nuns, she requested, at the age of nine, to enter as a postulant. Though her request was accepted, she was not allowed to receive the Eucharist due to her young age. As the feast of the Ascension approached, she begged again to be able to receive the Eucharist. However, she was denied. As the other sisters received the Eucharist, a glowing host was seen suspended in the air above Blessed Imelda. The priest took this as a sign that she should receive the Eucharist and he ministered it to her. Imelda then remained kneeling in prayer in thanksgiving and the nuns left. When they returned to fetch her she was found lifeless but in the same position. She had died of pure joy after receiving the Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Her body is incorrupt and is kept in Bologna at the Church of San Sigismondo.