St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
1566-1607
Feast day: May 25
Born Caterina de Pazzi to a wealthy family in Florence, Italy, she began meditating at age 9 and had her first ecstasy, or vision, at 12. She entered a Carmelite convent at 16, becoming Mary Magdalen, and was allowed to profess vows early when it seemed she might be dying. She had long periods of daily ecstasies, but also experienced five years of spiritual dryness, during which she was constantly tempted and in pain. Her confessor had her dictate her experiences to fellow nuns, who filled five volumes over six years. This medieval mystic also served her community as mistress of novices and subprioress. She is a patron saint of the sick.
Northwest Catholic magazine – April/May 2024