A Mystic from 13th Century Siena, Italy.
She was a popular curiosity in town, because of her many visions, ecstasies, and miracles. Once in a hospital a maid came upon Aldobrandesca in a trance. The saint appeared cataleptic, muscles
rigid, unconscious and without feeling.
Aldobrandesca’s biographer says the woman screamed in fear,
summoning all to see her, whom she thought was dead. Some were amazed, others amused. They began to punch, pinch and prick her
with pins, and burn her fingers with candle flames. When she came to
her senses her entire body was in excruciating pain, all she said was,
“May God forgive you.”
That act of forgiveness says more about Aldobrandesca than all of her paranormal experiences. Visions and ecstasies may be evidence of a supernatural touch but mercy expressed to others, is a sure sign of
Divine Love. We honor Aldobrandesca also known as St. Alda, for her charity, not for her trances.
(HER FEAST DAY IS APRIL 26 TH.)
Looking for the formal definition, structure, and history of this poetry form? Visit the Poetry Dictionary entry below. Then return to explore how PoetrySoup members bring the form to life through their own poems.