Saint Odilia of Cologne lived during the fourth century and was the Christian daughter of a powerful British King. A group of eleven young women, among them Saint Odilia and Saint Ursula, were martyred while on a pilgrimage to Rome. This was about the year 300 A.D.
Centuries passed until in the year 1287, a Crosier Brother received a vision and an admonition. He was told where to find the relics of the blessed maiden and was given a heavenly command that they be secured. The relics were found in a garden, under a tree. As they were carried back in procession to the Crosier Monastery in Paris, France, miracles took place which convinced the Church authorities that the apparitions to the Brother had been genuine and that God's providence is often not for human comprehension. Thus Saint Odilia was given to the Crosiers as a patroness. Odilia was a young person on a journey of faith. Through her dying and rising with Christ, she is an instrument of God's providence for the Crosier Order and St. Odilia Catholic Community. Saint Odilia is also a gracious sign of God's healing for those suffering from ailments of the eyes who have sought her intercession and found comfort.
Relics of Saint Odilia of Cologne are encased in our stone altar; she is honored as our principal patroness. We celebrate her Feast Day on July 18th.
