St. Alice

Saint Alice, also known as Aleydis of Schaerbeek, was born in the early thirteenth century in Schaerbeek, near Brussels, in present-day Belgium. From a young age, she demonstrated a deep love for God and a desire to dedicate her life entirely to Him.

When she was only seven years old, Alice entered the Cistercian convent of Camera Sanctae Mariae. Though still a child, she embraced religious life with remarkable devotion, humility, and obedience. Her example inspired the entire community, and the sisters admired her sincere love for prayer and her willingness to serve God in all things.

At an early age, Alice contracted leprosy, a disease that carried great physical suffering and social isolation. As her condition worsened, she was separated from the other sisters to prevent the spread of the illness. The disease gradually caused her immense pain, eventually leaving her paralyzed and blind. Despite these trials, Alice never lost her faith. Instead, she united her suffering to Christ and offered it to God with patience and trust.

The greatest source of comfort in her life was the Holy Eucharist. Because of the danger of contagion, she was not permitted to receive from the chalice. This caused her great sorrow, but tradition teaches that the Lord appeared to her and assured her that receiving Holy Communion under one species was sufficient to receive Him fully. This consolation strengthened her love for the Blessed Sacrament and deepened her trust in God's care.

Saint Alice became known for extraordinary spiritual gifts, including visions and ecstasies. Yet she remained humble, seeking not attention for herself but a closer union with Christ. Through her suffering, prayer, and unwavering faith, she became a powerful witness to the dignity of every human person, especially those who endure illness and hardship.

Saint Alice died in 1250 after years of faithful perseverance. Her holiness continued to inspire devotion long after her death, and in 1907 Pope Pius X officially approved devotion to her.

Today, Saint Alice is remembered as a patroness of those suffering from illness, blindness, and leprosy. Her life reminds us that even in times of pain and isolation, God's grace is present. Like Saint Alice, we are called to trust in the Lord, draw strength from the Sacraments, and offer our sufferings to God with faith, hope, and love.