(Nicoletta) (1381-1447) Virgin, foundress of the Colettine Poor
Clares (Clarisses), born Corbie, France; died Ghent, Belgium.
Successively a Beguine, Benedictine, Urbanist Poor Clare, and a
recluse, she entered the order of Poor Clares, was appointed
superior general, and began a successful reform of the Poor
Clare convent at Beaume, Switzerland, which spread rapidly
through France, Savoy, Germany, and Flanders. Her rule
prescribed that the nuns go barefooted, observe perpetual fast
and abstinence, and practice extreme poverty. The reform also
embraced the Franciscan friars (Coletani), suppressed, 1517.
Endowed with great spiritual gifts, many miracles were wrought
through her, and she exerted remarkable moral influence over her
associates. Represented in art delivering a soul from purgatory,
and being carried to heaven by an angel. Emblems: a lamb, birds.
Canonized, 1807. Relics at Poligny. Feast, 6 March.