29th May, St Mary Magdalen dei Pazzi, Virgin

St. Mary Magdalen dei Pazzi, Virgin

Born at Florence (1566) of the illustrious Pazzi family, St. Mary Magdalen, at the age of 10, consecrated her virginity to Christ, whom she chose as her spouse (Epistle, Gospel, Communion). Wherefore God loved her with a love of preference (Introit), and made her one of the virgins who form His court of honour (Offertory).

She took the Carmelite habit (1584) and subjected herself to frightful mortifications. The Holy Ghost, who, from heaven, sent Jesus risen again to her, inflamed her with such love that she had to pour fresh water on her burning breast.

She would bitterly deplore that the infidels and sinners were in the way to perdition and offered to endure any torments for their salvation. Her motto was "Suffer and not die." She died in 1607 and her body which she mortified in every way has remained incorrupt to our day.

Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquitatem: properea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.

Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. * My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.

(Psalm 44:8,2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, virginitatis amator, qui beatam Mariam Magdalenam Virginem, tuo amore succensam, caelestibus donis decorasti: da; ut, quam festiva celebritate veneramur, puritate et caritate imitemur.
O God, the lover of virginity, who hast enkindled in the heart of blessed Mary Magdalen, thy virgin, a burning love for Thee, and adorned her with heavenly gifts: grant that we who celebrate her festival may imitate her in purity and love.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09762a.htm