Blessed Anne Marie Taigi

Biography

Blessed Anne Marie Taigi, also known as Anna Maria Gesualda Antonia Taigi, Anna Maria Taigi, and Anne Marie Gianetti, was born on 29 May 1769 in Siena, Italy, to Luigi Giannetti and Maria Masi. Anne Marie's early life was marked by financial hardship as her father's pharmacy business in Siena went bankrupt when she was only five years old. Consequently, her family moved to Rome in search of work, where her father could only find employment as a household servant.

On 7 January 1789, Anne Marie married Dominico Taigi, a butler working for the noble family of Chigi. Their marriage lasted for 48 years, and they were blessed with seven children, although two of them sadly died at a young age. During the early years of their marriage, Anne Marie was known for her excessive concern with her appearance and attire, which was deemed unusual for a working-class mother.

However, everything changed for Anne Marie one day while she was praying at Saint Peter's Cathedral. She experienced a sudden and profound inspiration to detach herself from worldly matters and dedicate her life to a more austere path, guided by the Holy Spirit. Embracing a more ascetic lifestyle, she found spiritual directors and devoted herself to works of charity and evangelization.

Anne Marie tirelessly served the poor, visited the sick, and provided guidance to patients at the hospital of San Giacomo of the Incurables. Her influence extended beyond the sick and marginalized, as she also worked towards the conversion of her own family. Through her steadfast devotion to prayer, she played an instrumental role in transforming her husband's temperament, and they would regularly gather with their children to pray together in a personal chapel.

As Anne Marie deepened her spiritual journey, she began to receive mystical gifts granted by God. These included prophetic visions, clairvoyance, and even moments of ecstasy. Her presence alone had a tremendous impact on others, leading to numerous conversions. She became a trusted counselor to cardinals, royalty, and three popes, providing spiritual guidance and support.

Although Anne Marie faced gossip and slander due to her charismatic gifts and detachment from worldly concerns, she gained public veneration soon after her death. The cause for her beatification began in 1863 and was officially recognized by Pope Saint Pius X on 4 March 1906 when he declared her heroic virtues. Pope Benedict XV ultimately beatified her on 30 May 1920.

Blessed Anne Marie Taigi passed away on 9 June 1837 in Rome due to natural causes. Her incorrupt body became a testament to her sanctity and has been transferred several times throughout the years. Today, she rests at the Saint Crisogono church in Trastevere, Rome, Italy.

Anne Marie Taigi's life serves as a shining example of how a transformational encounter with the divine can guide one's path towards holiness, despite personal struggles and societal judgments. Her remarkable journey of faith, combined with her selfless acts of charity and mystical gifts, make Blessed Anne Marie Taigi an inspiring figure for all who seek to deepen their relationship with God.