LAMBERTINI, IMELDA, Blessed. – Dominican nun, born in Bologna around 1321-22, died there on 12 May 1333.
Of the noble Lambertini family, she entered at a young age the monastery of St Mary Magdalene of Val di Pietra, outside the city walls. There occurred the well-known Eucharistic miracle: it is said that the young religious was repeatedly denied Communion on account of her tender age; but the Lord provided for her by communicating her with a miraculous Host. Having gathered herself in thanksgiving, she was found lifeless. The above-mentioned details come from a slender tradition.
Under the patronage of Bl. Imelda arose in May 1891 at Prouille, in the diocese of Carcassonne, the Confraternity of the Good First Communion and of Perseverance. The blessed is also patroness of the Beniamine of the female youth of Italian Catholic Action and titular of a Congregation (cf. DOMENICANE DELLA B. IMELDA).
Her cult was confirmed by Leo XII on 20 Dec.
