January 17 – Sister of the Grand Master of Malta

January 16, 2014

St. Roseline of Villeneuve

(or Rossolina.)

Born at Château of Arcs in eastern Provence, 1263; d. 17 January, 1329.

Born at Château of Arcs in eastern Provence, 1263; d. 17 January, 1329.

Having overcome her father’s opposition Roseline became a Carthusian nun at Bertaud in the Alps of Dauphiné. Her “consecration” took place in 1288, and about 1330 she succeeded her aunt, Blessed Jeanne or Diane de Villeneuve, as Prioress of Celle-Robaud in the Diocese of Fréjus near her home.

In 1320 her brother Hélion, Grand Master (1319-46) of the Knights of St. John, restored the monastery, and in 1323 and 1328 John XXII, formerly Bishop of Fréjus, increased its revenue, granting indulgences for the anniversary of the dedication of the church.

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Roseline obtained leave to resign her office before her death. Many visions together with extraordinary austerities and great power over demons are ascribed to her.

There has always been a local cultus and this was confirmed for the Diocese of Fréjus by a Decree of 1851, for the Carthusian Order in 1857. The saint is usually represented with a reliquary containing two eyes, recalling the fact that her eyes were removed and preserved apart. This relic was still extant at Arcs in 1882. There is no ancient life of the saint, but that given in the Acta SS., 2 June, 489 sq., was constructed by Papebroch from ancient documents.
Sainte-Roseline chapel in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, France

Sainte-Roseline chapel in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, France

cfr. RAYMOND WEBSTER (Catholic Encyclopedia)

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Nobility.org note:

Her brother was Grand Master of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, today popularly known as the Knights of Malta. He must have appreciated her prayers for him and his knights as they battled to fend off Muslim attacks on Christianity.
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Tagged as: Elites, Family, Honor, Knights of Malta, Leaders, Malta, Nobility, Royal and Noble Saints, Saints

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