Catholic Blesseds, Saints, Solemnities & Holy Days

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi was born Caterina Lucrezia de' Pazzi on April 2, 1566, in Florence, Italy, to a noble family. From an early age, she displayed remarkable spiritual maturity and devotion. At just nine years old, her mother introduced her to mental prayer and meditation, an unusual practice for a child that would shape her entire spiritual life.

Despite her family's expectations for an advantageous marriage, Caterina felt called to religious life. At sixteen, she entered the Carmelite convent of Saint Mary of the Angels in Florence in 1583, specifically choosing this community because the sisters received Holy Communion daily—an uncommon practice at the time. She took the religious name Sister Mary Magdalene and was known for her extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist, earning her the affectionate title "The Passion Flower of the Eucharist."

During her novitiate, Mary Magdalene became seriously ill and nearly died. Due to her precarious health, she was permitted to make her religious profession after only one year instead of the customary two. Following her recovery, she began experiencing profound mystical phenomena, including ecstasies and visions of Christ's Passion. These supernatural experiences were so intense that fellow sisters would often record her words during these states, preserving valuable spiritual teachings.

Mary Magdalene embraced radical self-denial, wearing a crown of thorns and a hair shirt to unite herself more closely with Christ's suffering. She endured violent temptations and great physical suffering throughout her religious life, viewing these trials as opportunities to share in Christ's redemptive work. Despite her mystical gifts, she was canonized not primarily for her extraordinary experiences, but for her heroic virtue and deep spiritual wisdom.

She died on May 25, 1607, at age 41, after a life devoted entirely to prayer, penance, and union with God. Pope Clement IX canonized her in 1669, and her feast day is celebrated on May 25. Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi remains an inspiration for contemplatives and all those seeking deeper intimacy with Christ through prayer and sacrifice.