“Self-love is like the worm that gnaws at the root and destroys not only the fruit, but even the very life of the plant.”

Caterina Lucrezia was born on April 2, 1566, in Florence, Italy, to Camillo di Geri de’ Pazzi, who was a member of one of the wealthiest and most distinguished noble families of the area. She went by her second name, ‘Lucrezia’, out of respect for her grandmother.

At the age of 9, per the request of her mother, she was taught how to meditate on the Passion of Christ by the family chaplain. She also made a vow of virginity the following year.

At the age of 12 she experienced her 1st ecstasy which was in her mother’s presence. From then on, she continued to exhibit many varied mystical experiences.

She was recalled from her education at the Order of Malta monastery for marriage to a young nobleman. She told of her vow and was eventually allowed to return. When she was accepted as a novice, she took the name of Mary Magdalene.

About a year later, she became critically ill, and death seemed near. Her superiors allowed her to make her vows early in private and immediately after, fell into ecstasy for 2 hours. This was repeated for 40 mornings, after Communion.

While praying in the garden, she was given an invitation from our Lord to enter Purgatory with her guardian angel, so she could understand Divine Justice and the need to pray for those who suffer final purification. They descended deep into the prisons of turmoil, and she trembled while becoming pale as she witnessed the intense suffering. She cried out for compassion. She also saw those who had lived good and holy lives, falling only into venial sin.

For 6 years, 5 volumes were filled of the dictation by her fellow sisters of her experiences.

She was plunged into a state of darkness in which she saw nothing but the horrible in herself and all around her. She had violent temptations and endured great physical suffering.

Her prayers focused upon consoling Jesus’ Heart and making reparation for the many sacrileges committed against Him. She was keenly aware how unloved Jesus was and how loved He should be.

At times she could read the thoughts of others and predict future events, including the papacy of Pope Leo XI.

She became bedridden and her painful gums were so badly infected that her teeth fell out, one by one. Her body became covered with putrefying bed sores, and her nerves were so sensitive that she could not be touched without agonizing pain. She died 4 years later on May 25, 1607, at the age of 41 and was buried in the choir of the monastery.

Just 55 years later, the church of the Monastery of Pazaislis was consecrated in her honor.

She is known as the “Ecstatic Saint” since she was so generously given the special gift of mystical ecstasy.

She is the patron saint of the sick.

Her feast day is May 25.

For God’s Glory.