Blesseds Diana and Cecilia, Virgins
Optional Memorial
Diana d’Andalò was born in Bologna at the beginning of the 13th century. She helped Blessed Reginald in the rebuilding of the convent at Bologna. In 1219, when Dominic came to Bologna, Diana, together with other young women, made her profession of religious life into the hands of the blessed Patriarch.
After overcoming opposition from her family, who even broke one of her ribs, she entered the monastery of St. Agnes, founded by Blessed Jordan of Saxony. There, becoming a true mother to the sisters, she died in 1236.
Fifty letters written to her by Jordan of Saxony still survive; they are a beautiful witness to the spirituality of the Dominican Family and to the fraternity of brothers and sisters. Her cult was confirmed by Leo XIII on August 8, 1888.
Cecilia, who was born in Rome at the beginning of the 13th century, transferred in 1221 from Santa Maria in Tempulo to the monastery of San Sisto, where she came to know St. Dominic and became a most faithful witness to his appearance and spirit. Later, at the end of 1223 or the beginning of 1224, she was sent by Pope Honorius III to Bologna with three other sisters, in order to bring the spirit of our Holy Father Dominic to the monastery of St. Agnes, founded by Blessed Diana.
She died there in 1290. Her cult was approved by Leo XIII on December 24, 1891.
Proprium Officiorum Ordinis Praedicatorum ad Normam Decretorum Sacrosancti Oecumenici Concilii Vaticani II Instauratum Vincentii Couesnongle iussu editum, Editio typica, Sanctae Sabinae, Romae 1982.
