December 31
Melania the Younger (383–439)
wife
This saint, born in Rome, is called that to distinguish her from Saint Melania the Elder.
Biography
She belonged to the Roman aristocracy and had married her cousin Pinianus. When, a decade later, they lost their two children, they turned to the practice of evangelical counsels. Thus they progressively liquidated their great assets in building monasteries, hospitals and churches. They left Rome shortly after the sack of Alaric and after a long stay in Sicily, they arrived at Tagaste, Numidia, to the house of Bishop Alypius, a friend of Saint Augustine, and some time later, to Jerusalem. Upon the death of her mother and her husband, Melania established a community of consecrated virgins there in Jerusalem, among whom she spent the last seven years of her life.
Practical advice
During this day, be grateful for the good received through the sacraments as one who works and prays under the loving gaze of God.