Eleonora d'Este (1643–1722)
Modena, Italy |
|---|
Eleonora d'Este, religious name Maria Francesca dello Spirito Santo, (2 January 1643, Mantua – 24 February 1722, Modena) was an Italian princess and later a Discalced Carmelite.
Biography
D'Este was the daughter of
Maria Farnese
. The couple had had another child called Eleonora in 1639 but she had died aged one.
She grew up in her father's court and became known at a very early age for her religious fervour and works of charity. On 3 May 1674 she entered a Discalced Carmelite convent, and took the religious name Maria Francesca dello Spirito Santo. She was frequently put in charge of the convent and was also entrusted with founding a convent in Reggio Emilia, which opened in 1689 and remained until 1798.[1] She became so popular that she also became a spiritual director to several noblewomen.[2] She died in 1722 with the odour of sanctity.[3]
References
- ^ Venerabile Maria Francesca dello Spirito Santo (Eleonora d’Este)
- ^ http://www.carmelovocazioni.it/Calendario_Home.asp?type_request=view&CurrentDay=19&Month=3[permanent dead link]
- ^ "SANTI OCD – SANTOS OCD – Postulazione Generale Carmelitani Scalzi – Roma". Archived from the original on 2017-09-13. Retrieved 2015-10-16.