Maria Domenica Lazzeri

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Maria Domenica Lazzari, a girl who received the stigmata. Co Wellcome V0007062

Maria Domenica Lazzeri (1815–1848), also known as the "Maid of Carpi," was an Italian Roman Catholic mystic known for her life of suffering, mystical experiences, and reputed stigmata. Her life and phenomena associated with her have been a subject of interest and debate among religious scholars, theologians, and the faithful.

Early Life

Maria Domenica Lazzeri was born on March 16, 1815, in Capri, a small town in the province of Modena, Italy. She was the daughter of a poor family and suffered from poor health throughout her childhood. Despite her physical limitations, she was deeply religious from a young age, showing a profound devotion to prayer and the Catholic Church.

Mystical Experiences and Stigmata

At the age of 18, Lazzeri experienced her first mystical phenomenon, which marked the beginning of a series of extraordinary spiritual experiences. She reported visions of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. In 1833, she received the stigmata, wounds believed to replicate those of Christ's crucifixion. These wounds reportedly bled every Friday and were accompanied by intense suffering.

Lazzeri's stigmata and her other mystical experiences attracted attention from both the faithful and skeptics. A number of ecclesiastical investigations were conducted to ascertain the authenticity of her stigmata and mystical experiences. While some believed her to be a living saint, others accused her of deception.

Life of Suffering and Piety

Maria Domenica Lazzeri spent much of her life bedridden due to her frail health and the pains associated with her stigmata. Despite her sufferings, she was known for her unwavering faith and her acts of charity. She often offered her sufferings for the salvation of souls and was revered by many in her community for her piety and humility.

Death and Legacy

Maria Domenica Lazzeri died on March 4, 1848, at the age of 33. After her death, her life and experiences continued to be a subject of interest and veneration among the faithful. She has not been canonized by the Catholic Church, but she is remembered as a figure of intense piety and mystical experience.

Her home in Capri has become a place of pilgrimage for those who are devoted to her memory and wish to learn more about her life and spirituality. The Church has not made a definitive statement regarding the supernatural nature of her experiences, leaving the faithful to venerate her as a model of suffering and devotion.

See Also

• Stigmata
• Mysticism in the Catholic Church
• List of Catholic mystics