Virgin and Reformer of the Poor Clares
Saint Colette—born Nicolette Boellet in 1381 in Corbie, Picardy (France)—is revered as a great reformer of the Order of Poor Clares and a spiritual daughter of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. Her life is a striking example of penance, mystical grace, and courageous reform in a time when many religious communities had grown lax in discipline.
Early Life and Divine Calling
Colette was born to Robert Boellet, a carpenter in the service of the local abbey, and Margaret Moyon. Her parents had prayed long for a child and believed her birth was granted through the intercession of St. Nicholas.
From childhood she showed unusual piety and charity. After the death of her parents when she was about 18, she gave away her inheritance to the poor and sought a life entirely devoted to God.
She experimented with several religious vocations—joining the Beguines, then the Poor Clares, and later the Benedictines—yet she felt called to an even more radical life of solitude and prayer.
Eventually she became an anchoress (a woman enclosed in a cell attached to a church), dedicating herself to severe penance, fasting, and contemplation.
Heavenly Vision and Mission
While living as an anchoress, Colette received a vision of St. Francis of Assisi. In this vision he commanded her to restore the primitive rule and strict observance of St. Clare among the Poor Clares, whose discipline had softened in many places.
Reluctant but obedient, she left her enclosure.
Because such a mission required authority, she traveled to Avignon to see Pope Benedict XIII (during the Western Schism). In 1406 he:
- approved her mission of reform
- professed her as a Poor Clare
- appointed her Mother Superior and reformer of the order.
The Coletine Reform
St. Colette began founding and reforming monasteries across France and Flanders.
Her reform emphasized:
- strict poverty
- silence and enclosure
- barefoot simplicity
- long fasting and penance
- fidelity to the original Rule of St. Clare
Communities that followed her reform became known as the Coletine Poor Clares.
By the end of her life she had established or reformed about 17 monasteries.
She also encouraged reform among the Franciscan friars, helping inspire the Observant movement within the Franciscans.
Mystical Gifts and Miracles
Numerous supernatural graces were attributed to St. Colette:
- prophecy
- miraculous healings
- multiplication of food
- knowledge of consciences
- visions of Christ and the Blessed Virgin
It is also recorded that she raised several children from the dead through prayer.
Despite these extraordinary signs, she remained deeply humble and devoted to hidden penance.
Death and Canonization
Saint Colette died on March 6, 1447 in Ghent.
Witnesses reported that shortly before her death she exclaimed:
“See, my sisters, how beautiful the King of Heaven is!”
She was canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.
Her feast day is celebrated on March 6.
Spiritual Legacy
St. Colette stands as a model of:
- fidelity to the original spirit of religious life
- courage in reforming corruption
- deep Eucharistic devotion
- radical poverty and humility
Her reform preserved a stricter observance of the Franciscan contemplative life that continues in monasteries today.
A Prayer Inspired by St. Colette
O God, who didst inflame the heart of Saint Colette
with zeal for the renewal of the religious life,
grant that, following her example of poverty, humility,
and burning love for Thee,
we may seek first the Kingdom of Heaven
and persevere in faithful service.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.