St. Wilgefortis
On The Grapevine 61
St. Wilgefortis, according to legend, was one of nine daughters of a pagan Portugese king. Her father wanted her to marry the King of Sicily, but Wilgefortis had made a vow of virginity to Christ. She prayed to God for help resisting the marriage, whereupon she grew a large beard and mustache. The King of Sicily withdrew his proposal. Wilgefortis' father was so angry that he had her crucified. Most believe the story of St. Wilgefortis is a case of mistaken identity - images of the Crucified Christ in a long tunic were mistaken by pious people for a crucified woman with a beard. People devoted to St. Wilgefortis tended to be people who promoted offering up personal sufferings in unison with Christ for the atonement for sins. St. Wilgefortis was prayed to in tribulations and by women in abusive relationships. You can read more about her HERE.
Prayer for Offering up Suffering
As given to the three visionaries of Fatima
Oh my Jesus, I offer this for love of Thee,
for the conversion of sinners,
and in reparation for the sins committed
against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
for the conversion of sinners,
and in reparation for the sins committed
against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.