Saint Saint Fina

Fina (Serafina) (1238–1253) was an Italian Christian virgin who is especially venerated in the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. She developed a paralytic illness and spent the rest of her life on a bed made from a wooden pallet, where, according to legends, Saint Gregory the Great appeared to her to predict her death. Fina dei Ciardi was born in San Gimignano in 1238. The daughter of Cambio and Imperiera Ciardi, a declined noble family, she lived in a humble house located in the historic centre of the famous “city of beautiful towers” (today the small road on which her house stands takes her name). There is little record of the first ten years of her life, and what information available comes from legends narrated after her death. She learned to sew and spin, spending most of her time at home. Some accounts note Fina's strong devotion to the Virgin Mary, and that she went out only to hear Mass. In 1248, Fina contracted a serious illness which progressively left her paralysed. Instead of a bed, she chose to lie on a wooden pallet. Eventually, she developed painful pressure sores. During her illness, she lost her father and later her mother died after a fall. Despite these trials she never complained, but kept a joyful countenance and gave thanks to God. Fina's immense devotion was an example to all the citizens of San Gimignano, who frequently visited her. Visitors were surprised to receive words of encouragement from a desperately ill young girl who was resigned to the will of God. Fina had a particular devotion to Saint Gregory the Great. On March 4, 1253, after five years of sickness and pain, she allegedly experienced a vision of St. Gregory, wherein he foretold her death. Fina died as predicted on March 12 at the age of 15. Miracles attributed to Fina are mentioned in stories, paintings, poems and in notary documents. Legends say that, at the exact moment of Fina's passing away, all the bells of San Gimignano rang without anyone touching them.