medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture

Nothing is known of this holy person of Bologna beyond a miracle account associated with the translation of her putative remains in 1582. Imelda is said to have been a youthful postulant (ca. 13 years of age) in a community of canonesses regular in that city. According to the story, she fervently desired to partake of the Eucharist but was forbidden from doing so on account of her young age. During Mass on the vigil of the Ascension in 1333 a bit of the Sacred Host came out of a pyx held by the celebrant and, with many observing, flew toward the kneeling Imelda. The priest retrieved the not-so-errant particule and placed it on Imelda's lip; she in turn was so seized by transports of joy that she expired on the spot.

Imelda's cult is said to have been immediate. It was confirmed papally in 1826 at the level of _beata_. Relics believed to be hers are now in Bologna's chiesa di San Sigismondo. A canonization inquest during the years 1921-1942 foundered for lack of evidence.  Today is her day of commemoration in the Roman Martyrology.

Best,
John Dillon

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