Magdalena de Pazzi

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(1607-05-25) (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.

Life

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.

Beatification and canonization

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.

Feast day

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

See also

• Carmelites
• Carmelite Rule of St. Albert
• Book of the First Monks

Further reading

• Mary Magdalen de' Pazzi, The Complete Works of Saint Mary Magdalen de' Pazzi Carmelite and Mystic (1566–1607), 5 vols, translated by Gabriel Pausback, O.Carm., Fatima 1969-1973.

External links

• Life of St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (book)
• Index of Websites on Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi
• "St. Mary Magdalen de' Pazzi". Catholic Encyclopedia. 1913. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09762a.htm. 
• "MARY MAGDALEN of Pazzi". http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm12.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-24. 

Persondata
Name	Pazzi, Magdalena De
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	April 2, 1566
Place of birth	Florence, Italy
Date of death	May 25, 1607
Place of death	Florence, Italy