(1514-1577) When faced with an arranged marriage, Blessed Maria fainted in horror, and her father subjected her to 34 years at the hands of so-called doctors, quacks, and con-men. She became a Dominican but remained mostly bedridden due to some mysterious, and some legitimate, illnesses in combination with bad medical “treatments.” She started to experience regular visions that alarmed some people, but cats and animals had an affection for her. She had a devotion to Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, and she was seen to levitate on at least one occasion. Blessed Maria is a patron of the sick and abused people.
It can be a challenge when those around us don’t understand the struggle of addiction. “Just believe, just have more willpower,” they might say. Blessed Maria gives us confidence to persevere in our spiritual life when onlookers don’t understand what is going on. The secret that is no secret is…surrender. Our program is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
“Why are you sad? Fulfill all your duties well, and Jesus, the Supreme Joy, will come and dwell in your heart” (Blessed Maria Bagnesi).
Reflection by Brad Farmer