CENTURIONE, VICTORIA. — In religion PAOLA MARIA OF JESUS, discalced Carmelite, daughter of the nobles Stefano C. and Vicentina Lomellini of Genoa, born on 6 Oct. 1586 in Naples; she became a discalced Carmelite in Genoa on 2 May 1601; died in the odor of sanctity in Vienna on 15 Jan. 1646. Instructed by revelations in the highest virtues, she had a great thirst for sufferings and attained mystical union. She founded the monasteries of the Discalced Carmelites in Vienna (1629) and Graz (1643) in Austria.
BIBL.: Alessio M. della Passione, Vita della ven. m. Paola M. di Gesù, Roma 1669; Anon., Copia delle gratie ricevute dal Signore Iddio, dalla nostra ven. m. Paolu..., con alcuni suoi scritti spirituali, e disegni mistici, e poesie (ms. Arch. gen.). Ambrogio di Santa Teresa