TERESA MARGHERITA dell'INCARNAZIONE. — Discalced Carmelite, Princess Caterina Farnese, born in Piacenza to Odorando and Margherita Medici, Dukes of Parma, on 5 September 1637, died there on 27 April 1684.
Of a naturally ardent and impulsive temperament, she grew up rebellious and independent, courted for her uncommon gifts and rare beauty. Though sought in marriage by Archduke Maximilian of Tyrol and the King of England, despite pressure from her brother Ranuccio, she refused to yield, considering herself above any match. On 22 March 1662, touched by grace, she entered the Carmel, where, faithful to her resolve to obey without seeking to know more, through harsh and continual struggle and heroic penances, she succeeded in conquering her untamed nature, binding herself to God with the formal vow always to perform the most perfect.