Brondi, Maria Caterina

BRONDI, MARIA CATERINA. - Mystic, b. at Sarzana on 24 March 1684, d. at Pisa on 28 July 1719. Singular phenomena accompanied her mystical itinerary: ecstasies, revelations, participation in the sufferings of the Passion (three hours nailed to an invisible Cross), levitations (she dragged two nuns along with her), extreme penances, absolute fasting for months and years. Her life abounded in the charisms that often mark the unitive way and infused contemplation. Because of these supernatural manifestations of hers she aroused many theological discussions.

C. N. Bambacari published an interesting biography of her, especially as documentation (it reports various accounts, letters and spiritual writings of B.). Particular resonance was had by the fact that she obtained, as proof for her confessor that she could nourish herself on Holy Communion alone, that four persons, without any discomfort, remained nine days without touching any food or drink. This case, submitted, with the testimony of the women concerned and the oath of the examiners, to the bishop of Sarzana and to the Holy Office, twice obtained a favorable response and permission for B. to care for the sick in the hospitals of Genoa (1714) and Pisa (1719).

Benvenuto Matteucci