Saint Roseline, Carthusian nun (b. 1263)

Saint Roseline, also known as Rossolina de Villeneuve, (c. 1263 – January 17, 1329) was a revered French Roman Catholic saint and a significant figure within the Carthusian Order. Born into the illustrious House of Villeneuve, a prominent noble family in Provence, France, she dedicated her life to profound piety and charitable works, leaving an enduring legacy of faith and humility.

The Early Life and Carthusian Calling of Saint Roseline

Born around 1263 in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, within the historical region of Provence, Roseline was the daughter of Arnaud II de Villeneuve, Baron of Arcs, and Sybille de Sabran. Despite her noble upbringing, she felt a profound spiritual calling from a young age, displaying an exceptional devotion to God and a deep compassion for the poor. Her spiritual inclination led her to reject worldly prestige in favor of a life of monastic discipline. Around 1280, she entered the strict contemplative order of the Carthusians, specifically at the monastery of Bertaud in the diocese of Gap, a choice that underscored her commitment to austerity and prayer.

Leadership and Miracles: Saint Roseline's Time as Prioress

Later, Roseline was called to serve as prioress of the Carthusian monastery of Celle-Roubaud (now known as La Celle de Sainte Roseline), near Les Arcs, which had been founded by her own family. In this role, she continued to exemplify exceptional leadership, combining rigorous asceticism with boundless charity. It was during her time as prioress that many accounts of her spiritual gifts and miracles emerged, solidifying her reputation for holiness. She was renowned for her visions, prophetic insights, and an unwavering commitment to the poor, often sharing the monastery's provisions with those in need, even when it seemed to defy logic or resources.

The Enduring Legend: The Miracle of the Roses

Among the most famous stories associated with Saint Roseline is the "Miracle of the Roses." This cherished legend recounts how, during a severe famine, Roseline discreetly took food from her family's stores or the monastery's larder to distribute to the starving poor. When her father, or in some versions, her brother, confronted her, demanding to know what she was hiding in her apron, she opened it. Miraculously, the provisions she had been carrying transformed into a cascade of beautiful roses, demonstrating divine approval of her charitable actions. This event, while a common hagiographical motif for other saints like Elizabeth of Hungary, is particularly emblematic of Saint Roseline's deep-seated compassion and unwavering faith in divine providence.

Veneration, Relics, and Legacy of Saint Roseline

Saint Roseline passed away on January 17, 1329. Her sanctity was recognized almost immediately, leading to a local cult that quickly developed around her tomb. Her body was exhumed five years after her death and found to be remarkably well-preserved, a phenomenon often associated with sanctity in the Roman Catholic tradition. This perceived incorruptibility further fueled devotion to her. While she was never formally canonized through the full process of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints as we know it today, her cult was officially approved for veneration by Pope Gregory XVI in 1834, essentially confirming her status as a saint within the Church. Her feast day is observed annually on January 17th.

Today, the Shrine of Sainte Roseline at La Celle de Sainte Roseline houses her revered relics, attracting pilgrims who seek her intercession and inspiration. She remains a powerful symbol of Christian charity, humility, and unwavering trust in God's provision, particularly in the face of hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Roseline

Who was Saint Roseline de Villeneuve?
Saint Roseline, or Rossolina de Villeneuve, was a French Roman Catholic saint and a Carthusian nun who lived from c. 1263 to 1329. She is revered for her piety, charity, and leadership as prioress of the La Celle-Roubaud monastery in Provence.
What is the "Miracle of the Roses" associated with Saint Roseline?
The "Miracle of the Roses" is a famous legend where Saint Roseline, while distributing food to the poor, was confronted by her father. When she opened her apron, the food miraculously transformed into roses, demonstrating divine approval of her charitable acts.
When is Saint Roseline's feast day?
Saint Roseline's feast day is observed annually on January 17th, the date of her death.
Where are Saint Roseline's relics housed?
The relics of Saint Roseline are venerated at the Shrine of Sainte Roseline, located at the former Carthusian monastery of La Celle de Sainte Roseline in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, Provence, France.
Why is Saint Roseline considered a saint?
Saint Roseline is considered a saint due to her exemplary life of virtue, profound charity, spiritual gifts, and the enduring local veneration that led to the official approval of her cult by Pope Gregory XVI in 1834.