BAGNESI, MARIA BARTOLOMEA, BEATA

BARTOLOMEA BAGNESI, Blessed. — Born in Florence on 15 August 1514, died there on 28 May 1577. A strange illness kept her bedridden for almost forty-five years. Around 1547 she assumed the habit of a Dominican tertiary, though remaining in her family home. She endured physical sufferings and spiritual trials with heroic patience, while carrying out extensive works of charity and apostolate. Her radiant spirit also uplifted all who came into contact with her. Guided in her religious life by the Dominicans and by a pious priest, Antonio Campi, she received Communion almost daily, often having little else to sustain her. Because of her ties to the Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli during her lifetime, she was buried there. Saint Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi, who entered the monastery some years later, was particularly devoted to her. A few letters of the blessed woman survive; her cult was approved by Pius VII on 17 July 1804. She is commemorated on 28 May.