Daily Saint

St. Colette of Corbie, also known as St. Colette Boylet, was a woman of extraordinary faith whose life of prayer and reform helped to renew the Poor Clare Order during a time of spiritual decline. Born in 1381 in Corbie, France, she was the long-awaited child of devout Christian parents, who were advanced in age. They had prayed earnestly for her birth for a long time. When she was born, they named her Nicolette after the saint. Later, her name was shortened to Colette.

From an early age, St. Colette showed a strong inclination toward prayer and devotion to God. After her parents died, she sought a contemplative, ascetic religious life. She initially joined the Beguines, a group of pious laywomen, but she desired a more profound spirituality. Later, she embraced religious life among the Poor Clares.

Sensing a strong call to reform the Poor Clare Order, St. Colette worked to restore the original spirit of St. Clare of Assisi—adopting a cloistered life of poverty, fasting, and prayer. She guided her sisters not only through discipline but by example, embodying Franciscan simplicity and trust in Divine Providence.

St. Colette undertook a rigorous reform of the Order. With papal approval, she traveled extensively throughout France and neighboring regions, founding new monasteries, and reforming existing ones. Despite resistance and hardship, St. Colette remained steadfast and grew in wisdom and spiritual fortitude. Numerous miracles were attributed to her intercession during her lifetime, including healings and the gift of prophecy.

St. Colette died on March 6, 1447, after decades of faithful service. Canonized in 1807, she is honored as an influential reformer and spiritual leader. She is the patron saint of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers, and sick children.