Pauline (Amabile) was born in a pious family at Vattaro, Italy. She was barely ten years old when her parents left their country and migrated into Brazil in search of a more comfortable living. In their new homeland Pauline deemed it her God-given mission to catechize the children and attend to the sick of the neighbourhood. A major turning point in her life came in 1890, when she rendered dedicated service to a cancer patient. This was the seed, which eventually sprouted into the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. The love and tenderness with which Pauline cared for the orphans and the slaves were legendary. However, her discipleship was not without an abundant share of agonies and crosses. Misunderstandings and conflicts that cropped up within her Congregation drained her energy. Her health and resilience steadily declined as she fought a losing battle with diabetes. The Lord offered her eternal rest in 1942. Pauline was proclaimed a saint in 2002.
Reflection: The paradox of Christian living is that discipleship commences with a crown of thorns and ends with a crown of glory. Jesus never bribes any one to follow him; rather, he asks every one to count the cost of discipleship. Those who persevere to the end will be triumphant.
The presence of God is so intimate to me that it seems impossible to lose it. Such presence gives my soul a joy which I cannot describe. (St. Pauline)
