april 22. opportuna who lacked in charisma
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Patron saint of Diocese of Seez
Died 770 When she was still young, Opportuna became a Benedictine nun, taking the veil from her brother who was a bishop. LET ME HEAR YOUR DONKEY CALL Once a peasant stole a donkey from Opportuna's convent and refused to acknowledge the crime. Opportuna turned the matter over to god, and the next day the peasant's field was sown with salt. The repentant peasant not only returned the donkey, but he also surrendered his useless salt-covered field to the nuns. LACKING IN CHARISMA Opportuna's sanctity had nothing to do with charismatic actions, nor did she effect any miracles in her lifetime. Instead, she was lauded for her "exemplary piety and decorum." According to Wikipedia, this is because she was of the Carolingian era, which "formed an interlude in the history of sainthood" in which bishops were hostile toward charismatic ascetics, healers, prophets, and visionaries. Instead, the "cults of the dead flourished as never before." History and the internet credit Opportuna with multiple visions, but she was unable to act on them, thus rendering her sans charisma. MURDER VISION Opportuna foresaw her brother's death in a prophetic vision, but she was totally powerless to save him. When he was murdered, she was so struck with sadness that she died one year later. DEATH As one chronicler puts it: "Unfortunately, Opportuna is not alive anymore. The death rumors are true. [ . . .] Opportuna was 1,244 years old when he/she died." According to one story, Saint Cecilia and Saint Lucia appeared at Opportuna's deathbed and urged her pass into heaven, where the Virgin awaited her arrival to unite her with The Bridegroom. Just before "her flesh was freed of this world," Opportuna outstretched her arms as if to embrace the mother of God. This is considered to be an "approved Marian apparition." Following her death, Opportuna's final resting place became a place of pilgrimage. One miracle involved a demon-afflicted wife who was healed through Opportuna's intercession and who God called to separate from her husband and dedicate her life to his service. THE SUBJECT OF CELEBRITY GOSSIP There is online poll available where one can vote on whether or not Opportuna was "gay, bisexual, or straight." You can also "Click the HOT button if you think Opportuna was hot, or click NOT if you don't think so." You can also share your opinion about whether or not Opportuna indulged in steroids, cocaine, cigarettes, or stronger drugs such as heroin. At the time of this posting, no one has dared to cast a vote in any of these polls. Be the first! The creators of this site are on the hunt for images of Opportuna's hairstyle as well as "shirtless" pics. |