Blessed Giovanna Maria Bonomo

Blessed Giovanna Maria Bonomo Also known as

Jane Mary Bonomo
Jeanne-Marie Bonomo

1 March
formerly 22 February

Profile

Eldest of four children of Giovanni Bonomo, a wealthy merchant, and Virginia Ceschi di Santa Croce. Legend says that she began to speak at age 10 months – and her first words were to talk her father out of some sinful act he was considering; by age 5 she could speak Latin without having had lessons. Her mother died when Giovanna was 6 years old. Educated by the Poor Clares of Trent, Italy from age 9. Benedictine nun at Bassano, Italy, making her vows on 8 September 1622, and taking the name Maria Giovanna; she fell into ecstasy for the first time during the ceremony of her profession. Received the stigmata at age 20. Novice mistress. Chosen prioress of her house, and abbess three times. Bitterly persecuted by members of her own community for her dedication and mystical experiences; many thought them either heretical or a play for attention.