Blessed Stephana De Quinzanis

Biography

Blessed Stephana de Quinzanis, also known as Stefana Quinzani or Stephanie de Quinzanis, was born in Soncino, Italy in the year 1457 to deeply religious parents. From a young age, she was immersed in a spiritual environment as her father became a Dominican tertiary (a lay member of the Dominican Order) during her childhood. It was during this time that Stephana encountered the stigmatic Blessed Matthew Carrieri, who resided in the nearby Dominican convent.

Even though she was too young to fully comprehend, Carrieri proclaimed Stephana to be his spiritual heiress. At the tender age of seven, she began experiencing visions of Dominican saints. As a result, she made personal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, demonstrating her strong devotion to Christ.

Tragically, Carrieri passed away when Stephana was only 14 years old. However, he continued to influence her from beyond the grave by appearing to her in a vision and gifting her with the stigmata, the wounds of Christ's crucifixion. This marked a significant turning point in Stephana's spiritual journey.

At the age of 15, Stephana became a Dominican tertiary herself in Soncino. Always driven by her compassion for the poor and sick, she dedicated herself to their care and established a community of Third Order sisters in Soncino. She served as the first abbess, leading the sisters by example and providing spiritual guidance to those who sought her counsel. Her wisdom extended beyond the boundaries of her community, as she was consulted by notable figures such as Saint Angela Merici, Blessed Augustine of Biella, and Blessed Osanna of Mantua.

Although she lacked formal theological training, Stephana possessed a profound understanding of mystical theology and could engage in deep discussions on the subject. Additionally, she possessed extraordinary spiritual gifts, such as the ability to read hearts and minds, as well as the gift of prophecy and healing. Stephana led a life of profound asceticism, subjecting herself to rigorous fasting and inflicting severe penances upon herself.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of her life is the fact that she accurately predicted the date of her own death. On January 2, 1530, Blessed Stephana de Quinzanis passed away peacefully in Soncino, Italy, succumbing to natural causes.

Recognizing her holiness and the impact she had on the lives of those around her, Pope Benedict XIV beatified Stephana de Quinzanis on December 14, 1740, confirming her cultus (popular veneration). Her feast days are celebrated on January 2 and January 3 by the Dominicans, and sometimes also on January 16 on certain calendars.

Blessed Stephana de Quinzanis's life stands as a testament to her deep faith, unwavering commitment to poverty, chastity, and obedience, and genuine love for the poor and sick. Her mystical experiences and spiritual gifts continue to inspire and edify believers today.