A Saint for Abused Children

After reading the story of St. Germain Cousins (Germana) of Pribac, I have no doubt she is the patron saint of abused children.

1579-1601, Feast day p June 15, Canonized in 1867 by Pope Pius IX,

The story of little Germain is so heart wrenching, it would make the hardest of hearts weep. She was a little girl who tended the sheep for her father and cruel stepmother. She is described as a very unattractive little girl who was half-starved and her body covered with ugly bruises. She was forced to go around barefooted. She was a cripple and had only rags to clothe her. Yet, she had a very sweet, generous and kind nature and she never complained against the injustices and cruelty done to her.

For some reason, her stepmother hated this little girl. Germain never knew kindness or love from a human being in her short live. The only one who loved her was God and His blessed Mother and she loved them.

She was not permitted inside the house and would be forced to sleep in the barn with the cattle to keep her warm. She wasn't permitted to come in contact with her half-siblings. Her stepmother forbade it. It is not known why her father permitted the treatment of this girl. One theory is that he really wasn't her father but took her into his home when her own parents died. It is really not known.

The villagers also treated her badly as they seemed to follow the cruel stepmother's example.

Towards the end of her life, her saintly nature caught the attention of the village and even her stepmother tried to be kind in her own way. But it was too late for God rewarded this suffering little soul by bringing her to live in Heaven.