Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi

Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi was born Caterina Lucrezia de’ Pazzi on April 2, 1566, in Florence, Italy, into a prominent noble family. From childhood she was drawn to prayer, learning meditation on the Passion of Christ and receiving First Communion at the age of ten, when she also made a vow of virginity. Though her family hoped to arrange a noble marriage, Caterina held fast to her consecration and, at fourteen, was permitted to enter the Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Florence. She received the habit in 1583 and took the name Sister Mary Magdalene. Soon after, serious illness marked the beginning of profound mystical graces. After Communion she experienced repeated ecstasies, and at her confessor’s request her sisters carefully recorded her revelations, counsels, and letters calling for renewal and fidelity. Many believed the Lord worked through her with insight into hearts and healings of the sick. She died in holiness on May 25, 1607, and is venerated especially in Florence as a patron of the city, and of those suffering bodily illness. Her feast day is May 25.