St. Germaine Cousin

     St. Germaine Cousin was a real life Cinderella. She was born in France and 1579. Born with a crippled arm, she suffered terrible emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her stepmother. Given rags for her clothing and kept from sleeping in the family home, this blessed child was forced to tend the sheep near a wolf infested forest. It was dangerous and lonely. Sweet Saint-Germaine, did not let the quality of her life harden her heart. She took comfort in the Church and pursued her missionary of love. She sought to help the children and beggars of the village and when questioned about her own bruising and ragged clothing, Germaine instead share stories of grace, nature and love. She died in 1601, at the age of 22. She was so loved and remembered by all of the villagers for her unwavering love, faith and kindness, despite the cruelty she suffered. Her dedication for helping abused children and the poor gained her her crown in Heaven. She is the Patron Saint of abused and neglected children, against poverty, illness, the disabled, loss of parents and the sick. 

     Another wonderful friend in Heaven have we. There is no circumstance or woe that we have or face that doesn't have a beloved friend in Heaven that we can call upon to help us carry that cross. We are never alone. 

     There are many abused children. There are many who are sick. There are many who live in wretched poverty. There are those who are still mourning the loss of their parents. She knows how it felt and with all the love she bears in her soul for all of those who ask her intercession, she is ready to approach the Throne of God on our behalf. 

     Pray for the children. Pray for the poor. Pray for those who are crippled or handicapped in any way. St Germaine Cousin, is at our beck and call. Ready to comfort and love us and show us that there is comfort in suffering. 

 St Germaine Cousin, pray for us!