| Saint Maria Magdalena de Pazzi | |
|---|---|
An engraving of Magdalena de Pazzi from an 1878 book, Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints |
|
| Virgin | |
| Born | April 2, 1566 Florence, Italy |
| Died | May 25, 1607 (aged 41) Florence, Italy |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 1626, Rome by Pope Urban VIII |
| Canonized | April 28, 1669, Rome by Pope Clement X |
| Feast | May 25 (May 29 from 1728-1969) |
| Patronage | against bodily ills; against sexual temptation; against sickness; sick people; Naples (co-patron) |
Saint Maria Magdalene de Pazzi (or Mary Magdalene de Pazzi; April 2, 1566 – May 25, 1607) is an Italian saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Contents |
St. Maria Magdalene de Pazzi was born into one of the wealthiest and most distinguished noble families of Renaissance Florence, the Pazzi. She was baptized with the name of Caterina. She experienced her first ecstasy when she was only twelve, in her mother's presence. From then on, she continued to witness many varied mystical experiences. She was sent to a convent at age 14, but was returned home by her family, who opposed her religious vocation and wanted her to marry a distinguished man. However, they eventually conceded, and Catherine became a Carmelite of the Ancient Observance at 16, taking the name of Sister Maria Magdalena, at a convent that is now the site of San Frediano in Cestello. Her life took a course similar to that of other women who have become great mystics, characterized by an early love of prayer and penance, charity for the poor, and an evangelical spirit.
Numerous miracles allegedly followed St Maria Magdalena's death, and the process for her beatification was begun in the year 1610 under Pope Paul V, and completed under Pope Urban VIII in the year 1626. She was not, however, canonized until sixty-two years after her death, when Pope Clement X raised her to the altars on April 28, 1669. The church of the Monastery of Pažaislis, commissioned in 1662, was one of the first to be consecrated in her honor.
In 1670, the year after her canonization, the feast day of the saint was inserted in the General Roman Calendar for celebration on 25 May, the day of her death (as today). In 1728, the date of 25 May was assigned instead to Pope Gregory VII, and the feast day of Saint Magdalena de Pazzi was moved to 29 May, where it remained until 1969, when it was restored to its traditional place in the calendar. She was beautiful