Emilina dedicated her life to God and embraced a life of intense prayer and penance. Emilina developed a reputation for her deep prayer life, fasting, and strict self-imposed penances. She was known to wear a pointed chain under her habit, walk barefooted throughout the year, and fast from food and liquids for three days a week. These austere practices were a testament to her great devotion to God and her commitment to self-mortification. Many persons sent her offerings of food, but she never would taste it. Emilina ordered the crows and ravens to depart from the neighboring wood because they disturbed her and they obeyed her.
Word of Emilina’s holiness and spiritually transformative capabilities spread rapidly, drawing numerous pilgrims to consult with her on matters of prayer and holiness. Her prophetic gifts soon attracted the attention of others. Sometimes she prophesied about visitors before they arrived. Although she had a reputation for accurately predicting the future, her main concern was the visitor’s conversion and connection with God. Humility marked her interaction with everyone and she never used her heavenly gifts for selfish gain.
Her Death
Emilina died on 1178 in Longeville, France of natural causes and was buried under the altar of the Couvent des Dames, attached to the Abbey of Boulancourt. There a perpetual flame was maintained at her tomb. Then, when the chapel was destroyed, her remains were transferred, along with Saint Asceline and Saint Gossuin, to the Church of Boulancourt. Sadly, nothing remains of the tombs after the violent excesses of the French Revolution.
Since Saint Emilina of Boulancourt neither married nor professed vows with any religious community, she is known as the patron saint of single lay women.
Born : 1115 (unknown exact date) in France
Died: 1178 (unknown exact date) in Longeville, France
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: October 27
Patron Saint: Single Laywomen
