Saint of the Day – 22 March – Blessed Lukarda of Oberweimar O.Cist (c1275-1309) Virgin, German Cistercian Nun, Mystic, Miracle-worker. She was gifted with visions and the Stigmata of the Wounds of Our Lord. Born in c1275, probably in Erfurt, Germany and died on 22 March (Palm Sunday) 1309 at the Oberweimar Abbey, Weimar, Thuringia (in modern Germany) of natural causes, aged 33. Also known as – Lukarda of Erfurt, Lukardis… Lucardis… Lutgarda… Her name means — “the protector of the people” (Old High German).
Lukarda was born in 1275 or 1276 near Erfurt in Germany. At the age of twelve, she entered the Cistercians of Oberweimar Abbey, near modern-day Weimar.
Although she herself was not physically strong she was placed in the Infirmary of the Monastery to care for the ill and those even less healthy than herself. Lukarda dedicated herself with great assiduity to the needs of all the ailing patients.
Lukarda, afflicted by numerous sufferings which she endured with great patience and firmness of mind, was comforted by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist. She was deeply devoted to the Passion of Our Lord. Once, during a vision of the Saviour, the image of His Wounds were imprinted on her body and it was announced to her that she would only live for thirty-three years.
She had the gift of miracles, so much so that, through her intercession many people were cured of their sufferings and illnesses. Two blind men regained their sight when clothes stained by the blood of Saint Lukarda’s Stigmata were placed over there eyes.
She died on 22 March 1309 and was buried in the side Chapel of Oberweimar Abbey Church (see below). After her death she was immediately honoured with her own cult and was invoked by many who obtained extraordinary graces and cures through Lukarda’s intercession. She has been remembered and celebrated in Weimar on her Feast day, the Anniversary of her death for Centuries until the protestants sought to disrupt and prevent such devotions.
AnaStpaul 