Born in France in 1579, Germaine Cousin’s mother died while she was just an infant. Her father remarried and largely ignored her. Her stepmother forced Germaine to sleep in the stable, and she frequently beat Germaine or scalded her with hot water as punishment, even when innocent of the accused misbehavior. When Germaine was nine she was put to work as a shepherdess where she spent her time in prayer, and she would leave the flock under the care of her guardian angel so she could go to daily Mass. She taught the faith to other children and shared her food with them, and her reputation for holiness grew. She died at the age of 22 on a straw pallet under the stairs. Her remains are incorrupt, and over 400 documented miracles and graces have been obtained through her intercession.
CHALLENGE
When St. Germaine Cousin would pray in the fields, she often used a Rosary that she made out of a knotted piece of cord. Rosaries don’t have to be fancy, they just have to be used. Today, go to a craft store, buy some cord, and make a knotted cord Rosary. When you’re done, pray with it. Then give it away and make another.
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Want to learn more about the Order of Mercy, also known as the Mercedarians? Mercy, Ransom, Redemption is a compilation of short stories about Mercedarian saints, blesseds, brothers, priests, and third order members of the Order.
