Saints celebrated on the 3rd of November
BLESSED ITTA, COUNTESS
Blessed Itta [Itha] was born of the Counts of Kirchberg, in Suabia, not far from Ulm, in the year 1160. Having passed her youth piously, under the care of her parents, she was married, when 18 or 19 years of age, to Henry, Count of Toggenburg.
SHE GOT MARRIED
The young couple lived, for a considerable time, in great love and harmony, until the Count falsely accused her of unfaithfulness and, deaf to her prayers, tears and supplications, dragged her to the battlements of the castle, which stood upon a high rock, and cast her into a terrible abyss, convinced that she would be dashed to pieces.
But divine Providence watched miraculously over the innocence of the holy Countess, who although precipitated from a height of more than 400 feet, remained as unharmed as if Angels had carried her.
SHE THANKED ALMIGHTY GOD
Recognising the miracle which the Almighty had wrought, she gave Him her most fervent thanks, and resolved to pass the rest of her life in the same place, although it was a wild chasm, unfrequented by man, and the dwelling of wild beasts.
The holy Countess built herself a poor little hut to shelter her, and looked for some herbs and water with which to appease her hunger and thirst.
Itta lived in this lonely spot for several years very quietly, occupying herself in praising God and in pious meditations, whilst all thought her dead, until at last it pleased heaven to reveal her innocence.
A HUNTER CAME TO THE PLACE WHERE ITTA DWELT
A hunter came to the place where Itta dwelt. Seeing the footprints of a human being in the sand, he followed them, and thus came to her hut. Entering it, he immediately recognized the Countess.
Hastening home, the hunter informed the Count of the startling discovery, and led him to Itta’s hut. At the sight of her, shame, grief and repentance almost broke the Count’s heart, and his sobs deprived him of all power of speech. Having at last controlled himself, he sank at the feet of his innocent spouse, whom he had so long believed dead, and most humbly begged her to pardon him.
SHE HAD LONG SINCE FORGIVEN HIM
Itta raised the Count from the ground, saying that she had long since forgiven him, but she also said that she never could return to the castle again; and that the only favour she could ask was that the Count would build her a small dwelling-place at the foot of the mountain named Hornlein, where she might, in peaceful solitude, serve that God, who had so miraculously preserved her life.
SHE CONTINUED TO LIVE IN AUSTERITY AND POVERTY
Her request was immediately granted; and when the little dwelling was finished, she lived in it, in austerity and poverty, as she would not receive anything from the Count, but maintained herself by asking alms.
She left her house only to go to the church of a neighbouring village to receive the blessed Sacrament, and to devoutly assist at the divine office to the great edification of all.
Some time later, when her strength began to fail, the nuns of a convent near by, requested her to pass the remainder of her life with them, that she might not be exposed to the danger of dying alone in her little dwelling, without receiving the holy Sacraments.
SHE LIVED IN A HUT NEXT TO THE CHURCH
Itta consented, but on condition that they would build her a hut next to the Church, where she might continue to live separated from all mankind. The nuns cheerfully complied with the request, as they were desirous of having near them a soul so dear to God.
After a few more years spent in this new dwelling, she gave her soul, purified by sorrow and trial, and adorned with great virtues, into the keeping of her Father in Heaven. Her holy body was buried in the Convent Church at the Altar of St Nicholas, and her shrine became celebrated by many miracles.
From Fr Weninger's Lives of the Saints
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Itta may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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