St. Germaine Cousin

St. Germaine Cousin was born in 1579 in the village of Pibrac, France, near Toulouse. Born into a poor family, she was afflicted with a deformed right arm and suffered from scrofula, a condition that was both disfiguring and contagious at the time. Her mother's death when Germaine was just an infant led to her father remarrying, but her stepmother's cruelty and disdain for Germaine's disabilities led to the young girl being forced to live in the barn. Despite these hardships, Germaine found solace in her faith and spent her days tending sheep and attending Mass daily, often leaving her flock to the care of Providence. She shared what little food she had with the poor and taught local children about God, earning their affection and respect. Germaine's life was marked by profound faith and forgiveness, exemplified by miracles attributed to her presence, such as the parting of waters to allow her to attend Mass. She died at the age of 22 in 1601. Decades later, her body was found incorrupt, leading to her veneration by the local populace. The process of canonization was delayed by political turmoil, but she was finally canonized in 1867 by Pope Pius IX. Today, St. Germaine Cousin is revered as the patron saint of those suffering from abuse and neglect, her legacy a testament to her unwavering faith and compassion amidst adversity. Her feast day is celebrated on June 15.