Carmelite Virgin

Born in Florence in 1566, she had a religious upbringing and entered the monastery of the Carmelite nuns there. She led a hidden life of prayer and self‑denial, praying particularly for the renewal of the Church and encouraging the sisters in holiness. Her life was marked by many extraordinary graces. She died in 1607.

In the first reading from the Song of Songs (5:4b; 8:6-7) we are reminded of the power of love “Love no flood can quench, no torrents drown.”  In the Gospel from Luke (10:38-42) we hear of Jesus at the house of Martha and Mary and hear Jesus’ words “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one.  It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.”