St. Rosaline the Carthusian: A Medieval Mystic and Scholar

St. Rosaline the Carthusian (c. 1235 – c. 1310) was a devout medieval mystic and scholar who dedicated her life to prayer, contemplation, and the study of theology. She was born in Italy into a wealthy family but renounced worldly possessions to pursue a life of poverty and austerity.

St. Rosaline, the Carthusian: The Saint With the Shining Eyes

by Mark Vincent

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Language	:	English
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Rosaline joined the Carthusian Order, a monastic community known for its strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict. She lived as a recluse in a small cell, spending her days in solitary contemplation and writing. Her writings, which include theological treatises, mystical poems, and prayers, reveal her deep understanding of the Christian faith and her profound love for God.

Life and Vocation

Rosaline was born to a wealthy family in the Italian city of Alba in the mid-13th century. She was raised in a pious Catholic household and received a privileged education, studying Latin, theology, and the liberal arts. However, Rosaline's heart yearned for a life dedicated to God.

At the age of 20, Rosaline left her family and entered the Carthusian monastery of Santa Maria di Polermo in Turin. The Carthusian Order, founded by St. Bruno in the 11th century, is known for its emphasis on solitude, silence, and contemplation. Monks and nuns live in individual cells, spending their days in prayer, study, and manual labor.

Rosaline embraced the Carthusian way of life with zeal. She lived in a small cell, furnished only with a bed, a desk, and a few books. She spent her days in solitary contemplation, studying Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the works of medieval theologians.

Mystical Experiences

Rosaline's life of solitude and prayer led her to profound mystical experiences. She received visions and locutions from God, and she was often visited by angels and saints. These mystical experiences deepened her understanding of the Christian faith and strengthened her love for God.

Rosaline's writings reveal her deep devotion to the Eucharist. She saw the Eucharist as the center of the Christian life, a source of grace and a foretaste of heaven. In one of her poems, she wrote:

"O sweetest Sacrament, O heavenly food, Thou art my joy, my comfort, and my good. Thou art the bread that giveth life to me, And makes me long for immortality."

Rosaline's mystical experiences and her writings on spirituality attracted the attention of scholars and theologians throughout Europe. She became known as a wise and holy woman, sought after for her counsel and guidance. However, she remained humble and hidden, always striving to live a life of obscurity and anonymity.

Legacy and Influence

Rosaline spent the last years of her life in solitude and obscurity, but her legacy continues to inspire and guide Christians today. Her writings on spirituality have been translated into many languages and are still widely read and studied. She is considered a patron saint of scholars, students, and those who seek a deeper relationship with God.

In 1959, Pope John XXIII canonized Rosaline as a saint. She is now venerated as one of the great mystics and scholars of the medieval period. Her feast day is celebrated on July 4th.

St. Rosaline the Carthusian was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to God and to the pursuit of wisdom and holiness. Her writings, which combine profound theological insights with mystical experiences, continue to inspire and guide Christians today. She is a model of humility, devotion, and the transformative power of divine love.