Saint Germaine

by Clare Ward

It’s a quiet afternoon. Birds twitter in the trees. Most people are resting indoors, victims of the heat. You can only hear the sound of her wooden shoes--"frump," "frump," "frump."

What a pitiful sight! She has no socks on, and her shoes are out of shape and oversized. She limps in pain down the street.

Everyone knew Germaine’s parents were real mean to her. They’d give her only scraps of food from the table to eat and many times forgot to even do that. They called her names and made fun of her.

Although she surely felt badly, Germaine never seemed bitter. She was always seen at daily Mass praising God. She entertained the children of the neighborhood with Bible stories.

So where is she going today? Her parents stood at the window and watched her every move with distaste. "Hmph!" they snort.

You watch as she heads for a dark corner by a building. A beggar appears from the shadows. Slowly she pulls out a bundle from under her shredded cape and cheerfully gives him her own scraps of food. She says, "Hi, Joe. Don’t worry. Jesus loves you and is merciful. Trust in him." With that she goes on her way.

As you watch a warm smile come across Joe’s face, his thoughts are clear to see--"Someone cares. There’s hope. Jesus sent this little girl to help me. She’s been in the same shoes...."

St. Germaine was born in 1579 at Pibrac, a village near Toulouse, France.

Her mother died when she was young. Her father and stepmother treated her harshly.

Germaine had to sleep in the stable and was kept away from the rest of the family.

She is best known for her works of mercy. In her goodness she shone like a star.

Germaine died at age 22 in 1601.