Only 13 years old, she entered the Convent of the Sisters of St. John of Jerusalem in Beaulieu, France. For the next 33 years, the humble nun would serve the sick and poor at the hospital run by the convent — and would receive visions and mystical experiences, including feeling the pain of the crucified Christ.

Little is known of St. Fleur’s early life. Tradition says that she came from a noble family, but accounts differ about the date of her birth; some state that she was born in 1300, while other sources give 1309 as the year. She was devout from childhood and refused to enter into a marriage her father had arranged.

A medieval account relates that Fleur’s early years at the convent were very difficult. She was troubled by the convent’s prosperity, seeing it as contrary to Christ’s example, and experienced severe temptations. Her mystical experiences, which included entering ecstasy after absolution or communion, led some members of her community to think she was insane or fanatical. On one occasion, her religious superior, believing that Fleur was stealing food meant for the poor, demanded that Fleur show what she was carrying in her cloak. When Fleur opened her cloak, large red roses fell out.

Fleur had special devotion to Christ Crucified, Our Lady of the Annunciation, and St. John the Baptist, the Order’s patron. Her spirituality was profoundly influenced by the Franciscans, with that order’s emphasis on poverty, penitence, and Christ’s Passion. Fleur is said to have suffered the pains of the Crucifixion, particularly on Fridays and during Holy Week.

St. Fleur was credited with numerous miracles during and after her lifetime, including healings and safe childbirths. She was particularly invoked against many diseases, disabilities, accidents, and sterility.

Following her death in 1347, devotion to her grew in the area around Beaulieu, but she was not canonized until 1852 by Pope Pius IX. Her relics are preserved in the parish church of Saint-Julien at Issendolus, France.

Prayer: Saint Fleur, for 33 of your 47 years on earth, you served the sick and the poor as a sister of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Pray for the Order and its members, who serve the sick and poor.

Collect: Almighty and merciful God, who wished blessed Fleur to love and live as a virgin in the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, grant that, following her example, we also may love you more and more. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Fleur of Beaulieu, Religious of the Order of Malta, pray for us!

Written by Marcia McBrien, DM, Michigan Area