While still a child, Blessed Imelda put together a little oratory in her house, and spent much time there in prayer. She felt drawn to religious life, and planned to become a nun. She entered the Dominican convent of Valdi-Pietra in Bologna, Italy, as a student, partly in preparation for religious life. Blessed Margaret had a great devotion to Saint Agnes of Rome, of whom she may have had visions, to Mary as Queen of Angels, and to the Holy Eucharist. On 12 May 1333 she received her First Holy Communion, and immediately after died in an ecstasy of love and joy. She is the patroness of first communicants.

Prayer to Blessed Imelda

Lord Jesus Christ, you received into heaven Blessed Imelda who loved you in the eucharistic banquet. By her prayers may we learn to approach your holy table with that same fervent love and so fulfill our longing to be with you, who live and reign with the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. - General Calendar of the Order of Preachers