The Family of Brigida :
Greatly favored by grace from her early childhood, she possessed in a high degree the gifts of contemplation, prophecy and of miracles. She was a mystic of the 17th century, endowed with special gifts of mystical union with God . At that time women hardly had any place in society. But this lady of vision overcame obstacles of all types. Petty wars and Industrial revolts had played havoc, creating instability in families. Women and children were the worst affected. Brigit could not be blind to the need of the hour. Responding to the call with six other ladies, Brigida dedicated herself to the cause of the education of the young girls. Thus was born the Congregation of the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate (UMI), at Piacenza, Italy on February 17th 1649. |