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Also known as: Anne
Mary Redi; Ann Maria Redi; Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart
Memorial: 7 March
Profile
Tuscan nobility, the daughter of Count Ignatius Redi and Camilla Billeti.
Pious child who saw God in all things, and who was confused to learn that
not everyone knew that God loved them.
Educated at Saint Apollonia convent at Florence from age nine. Gentle and
mature child, she was often left in to watch over her peers. Noted for an
intense desire for her First Communion, and for a devotion to Our Lady.
Had an extensive correspondence with her father, discussing her spiritual
life in great detail; she as that he destroy each letter after reading it,
and sadly, he did so.
In September 1763 she received a message from Saint Teresa of Jesus
advising her to become a Carmelite. She went home to Arezzo at age 17, but
returned to Florence almost immediately. Became a Discalced Carmelite,
joining the convent of Saint Teresa on 1 September 1764, and taking the
name Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart. Received the veil on 11 March
1765, and made her final vows on 12 March 1766.
Worked in the convent's infirmary, and appeared to have a gift of healing.
Predicted her own death less than five years after making her final vows.
Her short life and vocation were spent in contemplative union with God as
she ever meditated on her favourite phrase, "God is love."
Born: 15 July 1747 at Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy as Anna Maria Redi
Died: 7 March 1770 at Florence, Italy of a severe and painful
abdominal disorder; post-mortem, all the swelling and discoloration in her
body disappeared, her body was incorrupt several weeks later, had a
healthy glow, and exuded an odor of perfume
Beatified: 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized: 19 March 1934 by Pope Pius XI |
