Novena to sister blandina

Novena to Sister Blandina Segale Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Servant of God.

She responded to the needs of whoever asked her for help, regardless of who they were: people living in poverty, needing education, suffering at the hands of human traffickers, belonging to other religions or no religion, immigrants, prisoners, Native Americans all received her respectful attention. For example, when some people needed a room for the night, and the objection was raised that they were not Catholic, she replied, “A bigger reason why we should come to their aid” (217),sister blandina,She declined offers of preferential treatment, and adopted the lifestyle of those she served. When someone offered her the use of a horse and buggy, she replied, “Were I to ride while the laborers helped me, I would feel wretched. I thank you and your friends but I prefer to walk” (132-33)One issue regarding the care of the indigent was burial costs. She herself helped make the coffins and enlisted handicapped persons to help her carry the dead to a plot given them by the Vicar General near San Miguel College for a dignified burial. For this she was given $8 by the authorities. When she confronted the County Commissioner in his newly equipped office, asking for $15 of the $30 he was allotted, he refused – until she told him that the next body would be at his door. Needless to say, she received the $15.