How Saint Christina the Astonishing Was Resurrected by the Smell of Sin!

Saint Christina the Astonishing was born in 1150 near Sint-Truiden in Belgium.

Her life is one of Divine Intervention and intense Christian mysticism, a powerful example our faith’s mysteries!

Christina’s most astounding moment came during her own funeral in her early twenties. Presumed dead following a severe seizure, she astounded the mourners when she suddenly arose, “full of vigor,” and levitated to the rafters, driven supposedly by the unbearable “smell” of sin from the attendees.

Christina’s claimed to have witnessed Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory, describing the latter as a place of indescribable torment. Presented with a choice to stay in Heaven or return to Earth for penance, she chose the latter, with a mission to alleviate souls in Purgatory and convert sinners.

Her return to life was marked with a radical shift in her behavior. Christina embraced extreme asceticism, living in utter destitution and enduring self-imposed suffering. Initially shunned and even imprisoned, Christina eventually became revered for her piety and penance.

Christina’s story was chronicled by Thomas of Cantimpré, a contemporary theologian, who based his writings on accounts from those who knew her. While she was never formally canonized, Christina is commemorated in the Roman Martyrology, and her life is celebrated on July 24th.

Saint Christina the Astonishing, pray for us!

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Photo credit: Patrick3Lopez, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons