January 13th - Blessed Yvette of Huy

[Weedy]

January 13th - Blessed Yvette of Huy
(also known as Jutta of Huy)

1158-1228
Yvette was graced with charisms and abilities which she used to
infuse her simple life, caring for those in need and demonstrating the
surpassing love of the Lord to all she encountered.

Yvette was born into a wealthy family that lived in Huy, near Liege
(modern day Belgium). From an early age she was drawn to the religious
life, which was encouraged by the Bishop of Liege. However, her
parents had other plans for her, and she was married at age 13 in an
arranged marriage. Ever obedient, Yvette followed her parents’ wishes,
and then upon marriage, her husband’s. With him, she produced three
children in five years (one of which died as an infant), and was left
a widow at the age of 18.

Yvette’s hand was sought by many suitors following the death of her
husband, due to both her heavenly beautiful and gentle spirit.
However, she would have none of them, embracing her call to the Lord’s
service. For the next 11 years of her life, while she raised her
children, Yvette dedicated herself to caring for those in need,
especially lepers who were despised and ostracized by society, and
confined to a decrepit hospital outside the town. To them--and to all
who came to her for aid--she gave all she had, including her love,
which radiated through her from the Lord.

After 11 years of service, during which her zeal for the Lord
continued to grow, Yvette left her children in the care of their
grandfather, and lived as an anchoress (having herself enclosed into a
cell) near the leper’s hospital. There, in her cell, she was graced
with visions, prophesies, and many mystical experiences. She began to
receive countless pilgrims, seeking spiritual direction, prayers, and
counsel. Through these visits, many miracles were wrought through her,
increasing the number who sought her out. Based upon her
prayers--prayers which she composed and became famous for-- many
converted or returned to the faith, including her father and one of
her children.

Blessed Yvette lived as an anchoress for 36 years. During that time,
she never left her cell, receiving the Eucharist through the small
window that allowed her to speak with her visitors. She is recognized
as a prominent figure in the development of the mysticism movement
which spread throughout the Low Countries at that time.

The life of Blessed Yvette is noteworthy in the fact that she was
given a second chance to serve the Lord. After demonstrating her
obedience to her parents and marrying, despite her wishes to fully
serve God, Yvette found herself in the position to demonstrate the
love of God to all she encountered. Never hesitating, she turned from
what would have been a live of privilege, and embraced this service
with those most in need. As her love deepened, so did her desire to
serve, and so did her charismatic gifts. We are given second, third,
fourth chances--countless chances--every day to serve the Lord by
serving others. How many chances do we need before we fully act upon
them?


Saint Quote:
“To those who wish to stand in God’s grace, neither the guardianship
of saints nor the defenses of angels are wanting.”
--Saint Hilary, Commentary on the Psalms

Bible Quote:
2 Stir up your might, and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!
4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to
drink in full measure.
6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors; and our enemies laugh among
themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be
saved! [Psalm 80:2-7]


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I came to You late, O Beauty so ancient and new. I came to love You
late. You were within me and I was outside where I rushed about wildly
searching for You like some monster loose in Your beautiful world. You
were with me but I was not with You. You called me, You shouted to me,
You wrapped me in Your Splendour, You broke past my deafness, You
bathed me in Your Light, You sent my blindness reeling. You gave out
such a delightful fragrance and I drew it in and came breathing hard
after You. I tasted, and it made me hunger and thirst; You touched me,
and I burned to know Your Peace.
--Saint Augustine of Hippo