Ellen Organ – Little Nellie of Holy God: Life, Devotion, and Legacy

ST. ELLEN ORGAN

Ellen Organ, known as "Little Nellie of Holy God," was an Irish child mystic born on August 24, 1903, in Waterford, Ireland. Despite her brief life, she became renowned for her profound devotion to the Eucharist. At the age of four, she expressed a deep desire to receive Holy Communion, a request that led to significant changes in Church practices. Her story inspired Pope Pius X to lower the age for First Communion, allowing children as young as seven to receive the sacrament. She passed away on February 2, 1908, at the age of four years and five months, and was buried in the Good Shepherd Convent Cemetery in Cork, Ireland.

Ellen Organ was born on August 24, 1903, in Waterford, Ireland, to William Organ and Mary Aherne. She was the youngest of four children. Her father, a soldier in the British Army, was stationed in Ireland, and the family lived in the military barracks. Mary, a devout Catholic, instilled in her children a love for God and taught them to pray the Rosary daily.At the age of three, Ellen's mother succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving Ellen and her siblings in the care of their father. Due to his military duties, William found it challenging to care for his children, and Ellen, already a delicate child, displayed signs of illness. She was senDespite her young age and frail health, Ellen exhibited an extraordinary spiritual awareness. She often referred to God as "Holy God" and displayed a profound devotion to the Eucharist. She would frequently ask the nuns when she could receive Holy Communion, a request that was met with hesitation due to her age.

In December 1907, after careful consideration and guidance from a Jesuit priest, Ellen was permitted to receive her First Holy Communion at the age of four. This event was significant, as it highlighted her deep understanding and reverence for the sacrament.

After receiving Communion, Ellen's health improved temporarily, and she expressed a sense of fulfillment. She continued to speak of her desire to be with "Holy God" and showed no fear of death. On February 2, 1908, Ellen passed away peacefully at the age of four years and five months. Her death was marked by a serene smile, and she was buried in the Good Shepherd Convent Cemetery in Cork.

Ellen's life story spread throughout Ireland and beyond, reaching Pope Pius X in Rome. Upon hearing of her devotion and desire for Holy Communion, the Pope exclaimed, "This is the sign I Though not canonized, Ellen Organ's legacy continues to inspire many. Her deep faith and love for the Eucharist serve as a testament to the purity and devotion of a child’s heart.was waiting for!" In 1910, he issued the decree Quam Singulari, which lowered the age for First Communion from twelve to around seven years old.

Feast Day

2-2-1908

Birth Date

24-8-1903

Died Date

2-2-1908

Canonised Date

--N/A

Good Shepherd Convent Cemetery, Cork, Ireland

“O Holy God, I love You with all my heart. I want to be with You in Heaven. Please take me to You soon.”
ST. ELLEN ORGAN

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ST. ELLEN ORGAN

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