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She was very happy in the convent but every day she yearned to receive communion. In those days this permission was not granted until one was 12 years old. Sometimes she so anxious to receive Jesus, that she would exclaim, "Tell me, can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die?"

Then one day a beautiful miracle occured. It was Ascension Day in 1333 and Imelda was 11 years old. As all the older sisters went to receive communion, Imelda stayed quietly in her place making a fervent spiritual communion. She was deeply absorbed in prayer and her heart was filled with great love of Jesus present in the Holy Eucharist.

After Mass, the Sisters all left the chapel, but Imelda continued to pray. Suddenly, one of the Sisters noticed a brilliant light coming from the chapel. As she stepped back through the entry way she saw a Sacred Host hovering in the air and lighting up the chapel and little Imelda kneeling before it in adoration. Hurriedly she called the other Sisters. Then someone called the priest and he, quickly realized that this was God's wonderful way of showing that it was Jesus's desire as well as Imelda's for her to receive communion. Quickly he put on his priestly vestments and putting the Sacred Host on the golden paten he gave Imelda her first Holy Communion.

For a long time the Sisters knelt in prayer and wonder to thank God for this marvellous gift that was given to Imelda. The saint rapt in prayer continued to make her thanksgiving and then quietly overcome with such great joy she sank to the floor. When one of the Sister's gently touched her arm, there was no response. Jesus had come to Imelda and Imelda had gone to Jesus.

In 1826 Pope Leo XII solemnly declared her a blessed and proclaimed her to be the Patroness of all those to receive their First Holy Communion.