Saint Jacqueline

 In the excitement of writing about publishing Hidden Book 2 and a lost passport being replaced, I forgot to tell you about Saint Jacqueline.

On the 8th February, I walked into St John's Anglican church, Menton and was told by Josie, the welcomer, that it was my saint's day.  I had no idea that there was a Saint Jacqueline. We Anglicans don't have many saints and I certainly hadn't learnt about one with the same name as me. Of course she wasn't mentioned in the service but when I arrived home I googled her, interested to read about her good works and/or grisly death. 

https://www.paroisseputeaux.com/2024/02/08/8-fevrier-fete-de-sainte-jacqueline/

From this website, I discovered: She was born into the Roman nobility in the twelfth century and married Gratian Frangipani, Lord of Marino. Widowed prematurely with two children, Jacqueline became a friend of Francis of Assisi, who nicknamed her "Brother Jacqueline." She devoted her fortune to helping him with his foundations, becoming a notable benefactor of the fledgling Franciscan Order.

Sensing his end was near, Francis asked her to come to Assisi with everything needed for his burial: a veil to cover his face, a cushion to rest his head on, a hair shirt to wrap his body, and the wax necessary for the funeral. He also asked her for the almond cream she had made for him when he was ill in Rome, which would later become known as frangipane.

After Francis's funeral, she remained in Assisi, dedicating her life to prayer and charitable works. She died in 1274 and was buried in the Basilica near Saint Francis.

Wikipédia


So, no miracles or tragic end, she was just a kind lady who helped others and made wonderful cakes.  I can live up to that.


If you are wondering what to read (after Hidden Book 2, of course), why not try one or all of these. Don't be put off by the number of pages in the Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, it's fabulous. The Accidental Woman was the perfect antidote and The Queen of the Tambourine is brilliantly observed (and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny)



My books are available from Amazon or can be ordered through your favourite bookshop









The Barwell Trilogy





Here is the link to my website:-





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