Saint Casilda of Toledo, a Muslim princess who found the face of Christ in prisoners. Her father, the Emir of Toledo and a great persecutor of Christians, could never have imagined that his daughter would become one of the most beloved saints of Catholic Spain.
Yesterday, the Church celebrated, among other saints, Saint Casilda of Toledo, whose story is marvelous.
Her name, "Casilda," means "poetry" in Arabic, which honors this saint, for her life is pure poetry.
She was born in the early 11th century in the Spanish territories invaded by Arabs from North Africa. Her father was Al-Mamún, the Emir of Toledo, known for his cruelty towards Christians.
Like every Muslim princess, she memorized verses from the Quran from a young age and learned to read and write using this religious book. It is very likely that her mother was Christian, and the men responsible for her education instilled in her an openness to ancient cultures, thus awakening questions about the Muslim religion.
Before deciding to become a Christian, Princess Casilda showed her good nature by visiting cells and dungeons, bringing food and medicine to prisoners, which she hid under her clothes. But it happened that some of these prisoners were monks and priests, who spoke to her more and more about Christ: one of them would later baptize her.
A miracle occurred with Saint Casilda, as has happened several times with some saints.
Tradition recounts that it reached the Emir's ears that his daughter was showing mercy to Christians and bringing them food. Furious, he went to meet her, and when he asked what was in the bundle she was carrying under her clothes, Casilda replied that they were roses.
The Emir wanted to verify, asked her to show them, and the loaves of bread had indeed transformed into a bouquet of flowers. The king, who was sure the princess had gathered bread, was left speechless and let her be. According to some traditions, she continued on her way and the roses turned back into bread for her prisoners.
One day, the princess began to suffer from a hemorrhage, an illness before which her doctors were powerless. But then, one of the prisoners she had helped suggested she bathe in the lakes near the Monastery of Saint Vincent, located in Briviesca, in the Christian kingdom of Castile.
After insisting for a long time, and convinced that his daughter's illness was incurable, Emir Al-Mamún authorized her journey, accompanied by a worthy delegation, which included secret Christians.
It happened that as soon as Casilda bathed in those waters, her healing was total and definitive. This finally decided her to become a Christian. She was baptized, confirmed her faith, and also received the sacrament of the Eucharist.
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Then, filled with love for her new master, Jesus, the princess decided to remain a virgin and spent the rest of her days in prayer and good works. The dowry that was due to her was given to the Church and to the poor.
Saint Casilda died as a hermit in 1075, at Saint Vincent. Her remains were buried in the chapel she had built herself; today, they are preserved in the sanctuary that bears her name, in Burgos. Many say that she has interceded on their behalf.
The great Zurbarán spent his time immortalizing her image, dressing her in princess gowns, drawing her with an innocent face, with deep black eyes just like her hair, and a gaze of contemplation and determination. A marvel.
Her feast is celebrated on April 9, as it is the day her relics were transferred to Burgos.
This article was originally published by Gaudium Press and then translated by LeCatho | Original link