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Wife Mother & Mystic: Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi
The story of Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi, a woman singled out at the age of twenty-one, to receive revelations from Our Lord and the Blessed Mother, which continued until her death. In her visions she foresaw much of the political turmoil that took place during her life most significantly the French Revolution and subsequent weakening of the Church's temporal authority. She also read the state of souls, both living and dead. Despite these miraculous gifts, she was content to fulfill her station in life as the wife of a poor serving-man and the mother of seven children. Wife, Mother and Mystic chronicles the events of an extraordinary life and yet, the great lesson of this biography is not found in the extraordinary, but in this modest woman's constant, hidden "striving after holiness" in her most ordinary tasks.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 12, 2026
Two of my favorite YouTube personalities are the Canadian couple, Ken and Janelle Yasinski, devout parents of 8, hosts of the Catholic Minute, featuring weekly (Wednesday) inspirational talks as well as numerous beautiful prayer videos. Their Lenten and Advent retreats are also the best.
Recently they featured a series on Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi. And although their extremely thorough series will tell you everything you really need to know about this fascinating, blessed lady, as usual with me, it just whets my appetite to learn more. Hence, this book. Father Albert Bessières’ 1952 biography doesn’t bring you up to the present, but it gives details which are often overlooked or deemed quaint by modern biographers, which is exactly the reason to seek out the older hagiographies.
For example, Anna-Maria is variously referred to as Anna, Annette, Beata, Marianna and Maria. Her life paralleled that of five Popes, the French Revolution and the rise and fall of Napolean. His mother, Letitia Bonaparte, was a near neighbor who the saint felt bound to pray and sacrifice for after having given much of her life doing the same for her more famous son. She lived as a victim soul for the individual popes who occupied the seat of St. Peter while she lived. Through her extraordinary gift from Our LORD, the miraculous sun, she could—when required—witness and describe what happened to Popes Pius VI (1775-1799), Pius VII (1800-1823), Leo XII (1823-1829), Pius VIII (1829-1830) and Gregory XVI (1831-1846) who was still pope when she died on June 9, 1837.
This sun allowed Anna to see what was happening, both in the visible human realm as well as in the invisible spiritual world, present as well as future. She did not use this gift for herself but only when directed or requested for good purposes. This was always a struggle for the Beata, as there were always those who sought her help for other than holy needs.
Anna was a married woman, with seven children; the whole family living in voluntary poverty in Rome. Her husband, Domenico, lived to be 91, outliving his wife by many years and giving testimony at the hearing for Anna’s beatification. Domenico, a porter by trade, in the service to the cook of a prince was not an easy man and yet Anna always put him first, living an exemplary life of holy matrimony. Cardinals, dukes or priests who came to ask her help had to wait for her to serve her lord husband first. Then, she would attend to the requests of more worldly guests. And this is how Jesus, wanted her to use the gift He gave her. Anna also never accepted any recompense for the information she ‘saw’ in her miraculous sun which she related to those who needed to know it.
She trusted that God would provide for her and her family. And He always did, even though He often tested that trust up to them not knowing where the next meal was coming from. The rich frequently sent Anna sumptuous baskets of food, money and other desperately needed thank-you presents, which she passed along to others poorer than herself, often even at times when her own family was close to desperate. She would later accept the more modest payment given to her daughter or husband for services rendered.
The stories surrounding her miraculous sun are too numerous to relate and they are each fascinating. They are what drew me to read this book. Some are amazing, some sad, some providential and there are even a few silly ones. One priest even used her sun to get her to cure herself of a minor ailment and come to him for which she rightly scolded him and he meekly agreed. However, interesting these stories were, it was her simple, virtuous way of life which made the book such a worthwhile read for me. I don’t run across many lives of holy married women and mothers of children and for that I am grateful.
Anna is an inspiration to all Catholics, especially married women and this is wonderful account of her life. It whets my appetite to learn more about her to emulate her more and help her become better known. She IS a Saint with a capital ‘S’, just not yet recognized as such by the Catholic church. Pondering this, I couldn’t help wondering if she might prefer things as they are, not deeming herself worthy of being a full-fledged Saint.
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi, pray for us!
Recently they featured a series on Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi. And although their extremely thorough series will tell you everything you really need to know about this fascinating, blessed lady, as usual with me, it just whets my appetite to learn more. Hence, this book. Father Albert Bessières’ 1952 biography doesn’t bring you up to the present, but it gives details which are often overlooked or deemed quaint by modern biographers, which is exactly the reason to seek out the older hagiographies.
For example, Anna-Maria is variously referred to as Anna, Annette, Beata, Marianna and Maria. Her life paralleled that of five Popes, the French Revolution and the rise and fall of Napolean. His mother, Letitia Bonaparte, was a near neighbor who the saint felt bound to pray and sacrifice for after having given much of her life doing the same for her more famous son. She lived as a victim soul for the individual popes who occupied the seat of St. Peter while she lived. Through her extraordinary gift from Our LORD, the miraculous sun, she could—when required—witness and describe what happened to Popes Pius VI (1775-1799), Pius VII (1800-1823), Leo XII (1823-1829), Pius VIII (1829-1830) and Gregory XVI (1831-1846) who was still pope when she died on June 9, 1837.
This sun allowed Anna to see what was happening, both in the visible human realm as well as in the invisible spiritual world, present as well as future. She did not use this gift for herself but only when directed or requested for good purposes. This was always a struggle for the Beata, as there were always those who sought her help for other than holy needs.
Anna was a married woman, with seven children; the whole family living in voluntary poverty in Rome. Her husband, Domenico, lived to be 91, outliving his wife by many years and giving testimony at the hearing for Anna’s beatification. Domenico, a porter by trade, in the service to the cook of a prince was not an easy man and yet Anna always put him first, living an exemplary life of holy matrimony. Cardinals, dukes or priests who came to ask her help had to wait for her to serve her lord husband first. Then, she would attend to the requests of more worldly guests. And this is how Jesus, wanted her to use the gift He gave her. Anna also never accepted any recompense for the information she ‘saw’ in her miraculous sun which she related to those who needed to know it.
She trusted that God would provide for her and her family. And He always did, even though He often tested that trust up to them not knowing where the next meal was coming from. The rich frequently sent Anna sumptuous baskets of food, money and other desperately needed thank-you presents, which she passed along to others poorer than herself, often even at times when her own family was close to desperate. She would later accept the more modest payment given to her daughter or husband for services rendered.
The stories surrounding her miraculous sun are too numerous to relate and they are each fascinating. They are what drew me to read this book. Some are amazing, some sad, some providential and there are even a few silly ones. One priest even used her sun to get her to cure herself of a minor ailment and come to him for which she rightly scolded him and he meekly agreed. However, interesting these stories were, it was her simple, virtuous way of life which made the book such a worthwhile read for me. I don’t run across many lives of holy married women and mothers of children and for that I am grateful.
‘She frequently recommended those who consulted her to reestablish or put new life into old works, rather than create new ones. “By so doing,” she said, “you do good and mock the devil, for he has no way of slipping himself in by self-love and ambition.” Although she was daily carried away by ecstasy, Anna as a matter of fact, had a strong leaning to the small virtues and most of all to the virtues she called, “natural”—“Those humble plants,” as St. Francis de Sales puts it, “that grow in the shade.”’ p. 149An example given was the mildness she used to chastise her children and how well it served them all through their lives.
Anna is an inspiration to all Catholics, especially married women and this is wonderful account of her life. It whets my appetite to learn more about her to emulate her more and help her become better known. She IS a Saint with a capital ‘S’, just not yet recognized as such by the Catholic church. Pondering this, I couldn’t help wondering if she might prefer things as they are, not deeming herself worthy of being a full-fledged Saint.
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi, pray for us!
May 30, 2018
I wanted to love this book more than I did. I was happy to read about a saint who was a wife & mother. What a wonderful role model for those called to the same state in life. I truly enjoyed the parts of this book dedicated to detailing Anna-Maria Taigi’s homelife, her relationship with her husband, the mystic visions she had, and her selfless sufferings! If the book were entirely devoted to these stories I would have given the book a solid 4+. However, there were many chapters dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and his mother. They lived at the same time and came from the same street as Blessed Anna Maria. Their lives did not really physically intertwine but they most certainly did spiritually. However, much of the commentary on the Bonapartes was confusing and seemed to interrupt the flow of the story. I can see explaining this association and I understand the significance of the historical connection ... alas, I felt anxious to hurry through those chapters. Still a very good read.
March 1, 2025
There were parts of the book I really enjoyed and parts that didn’t make much sense to her overall story. In the first half of the book I wasn’t a big fan of the authors writing. It seemed like he jumped around in time a lot. One sentence he would be talking about her childhood and the next sentence would be of her getting married. The middle of the book was really good. I enjoyed reading about her life, especially as a mother and wife. The example she set of being a caring and tender mother and a very patient wife made me want to do better in those areas of my life. The last few chapters of the book were not that great. It went into detail about Napoleon and his life and the state of Italy and France. It was quite boring and I speed read it because it didn’t make much sense. Overall the book was good, but I wouldn’t read it again.
August 28, 2024
Wife, Mother & Mystic
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi.
Reading about the saints establishes supernatural friendships. We are brought closer to heaven as these mystics are studied and incorporated into our daily lives.
Keep in mind that this book is translated from French and forgive the author for some clumsy wording. Unfortunately, at times, the author loses the reader because ample background is not provided; no doubt the translator struggled to find precise vocabulary and correct syntax.
After overcoming the initial shock of this jarring writing style, I began to enjoy this book. I learned that Anna-Maria Taigi, married with children, was called upon to be one of those rare victim souls who changed the world by her sufferings. A diligent instructress, her children never lacked in religious fervor. She courageously guarded their salvation and kept them from sin. Her husband too, benefited greatly from this saint’s wisdom and charity, her actions as a married woman can be used as a model for all.
History was altered by this one soul who dared to suffer, believe and practice the Catholic Faith in all things. How was it changed? By her prayers, her intercession, healings, visions and counsel.
Heavenly friendships are a wonderful consolation for the Church Militant. This book gives us a bridge to heaven by discovering an important mystic for our time. After reading this book, you will feel comfortable, as I do, including her in your petitions.
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi, ora pro nobis.
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi.
Reading about the saints establishes supernatural friendships. We are brought closer to heaven as these mystics are studied and incorporated into our daily lives.
Keep in mind that this book is translated from French and forgive the author for some clumsy wording. Unfortunately, at times, the author loses the reader because ample background is not provided; no doubt the translator struggled to find precise vocabulary and correct syntax.
After overcoming the initial shock of this jarring writing style, I began to enjoy this book. I learned that Anna-Maria Taigi, married with children, was called upon to be one of those rare victim souls who changed the world by her sufferings. A diligent instructress, her children never lacked in religious fervor. She courageously guarded their salvation and kept them from sin. Her husband too, benefited greatly from this saint’s wisdom and charity, her actions as a married woman can be used as a model for all.
History was altered by this one soul who dared to suffer, believe and practice the Catholic Faith in all things. How was it changed? By her prayers, her intercession, healings, visions and counsel.
Heavenly friendships are a wonderful consolation for the Church Militant. This book gives us a bridge to heaven by discovering an important mystic for our time. After reading this book, you will feel comfortable, as I do, including her in your petitions.
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi, ora pro nobis.
August 14, 2020
Times really don't change much. With God we will get through anything. This is what this book reminds us of.
January 26, 2021
Una hagiografía realista y desde dentro de una madre de familia que es también mística. Sabe conjugar la vida diaria, el enfrentar la pobreza y la caridad, las obligaciones familiares y el vencimiento permanente de un carácter fuerte y dulce a la vez.
El libro quedó al debe en lo referente a su influencia en personajes históricos y en todo lo que fue su visión mística que ciertamente no era para su propio beneficio, sino para abrir los ojos al mundo, tanto en lo religioso como en lo geopolítico. Esperaba una mayor explanación de esos hechos singulares que la hicieron destacar como una mujer influyente dentro de su escondida vida.
No deja de ser un ejemplo a seguir en sus virtudes como madre y mujer de hogar, en donde también cabe la santidad heroica, prescindiendo en todo de lo extraordinario. Y eso es parte de lo maravilloso de esta vida ejemplar.
El libro quedó al debe en lo referente a su influencia en personajes históricos y en todo lo que fue su visión mística que ciertamente no era para su propio beneficio, sino para abrir los ojos al mundo, tanto en lo religioso como en lo geopolítico. Esperaba una mayor explanación de esos hechos singulares que la hicieron destacar como una mujer influyente dentro de su escondida vida.
No deja de ser un ejemplo a seguir en sus virtudes como madre y mujer de hogar, en donde también cabe la santidad heroica, prescindiendo en todo de lo extraordinario. Y eso es parte de lo maravilloso de esta vida ejemplar.
June 24, 2012
It's a bit clunky in the way it's written. We're deaing with a book written in the early twentieth century in French and translated, so it's not only linguistic clunkiness but also stylistic with a touch of hagiography.
The woman herself sounds quite amazing, but the author's take on it is at times off-putting, and I found myself questioning some of the author's most basic assertions (such as Anna Maria Taigi had been engaged in something like a spiritual battle with Napoleon. The author makes much of this, and yet Blessed Anna Maria herself doesn't harp on it, and the connection is tenuous at best.)
I do find it refreshing that the book relegates the "three days darkness" into a footnote, whereas if you google Blessed Anna Maria, that's pretty much all you find.
The book claims it's written toward non-believers, but I cannot see that any non-Catholic would stick with it, or even a non-conservative Catholic. WHich is a shame, because the glorification of the ordinary daily actions of an ordinary person is a very important facet of Catholicism.
The woman herself sounds quite amazing, but the author's take on it is at times off-putting, and I found myself questioning some of the author's most basic assertions (such as Anna Maria Taigi had been engaged in something like a spiritual battle with Napoleon. The author makes much of this, and yet Blessed Anna Maria herself doesn't harp on it, and the connection is tenuous at best.)
I do find it refreshing that the book relegates the "three days darkness" into a footnote, whereas if you google Blessed Anna Maria, that's pretty much all you find.
The book claims it's written toward non-believers, but I cannot see that any non-Catholic would stick with it, or even a non-conservative Catholic. WHich is a shame, because the glorification of the ordinary daily actions of an ordinary person is a very important facet of Catholicism.
March 27, 2010
This is an inspiring book about a remarkable laywoman who was given some extraordinary mystical graces, most especially the gift of a sun-globe wherin she was able see in this mystical sun-globe certain events corresponding to certain persons, the Church, or world events. This extraordinary mystical gift was unique to Blessed Anna Maria Taigi and I know of no other mystics who were given it.
This book was very informative and inspiring and thos who like reading about the holy lives of mystics/saints will certainly appreciate this one.
Glenn Dallaire
This book was very informative and inspiring and thos who like reading about the holy lives of mystics/saints will certainly appreciate this one.
Glenn Dallaire
April 21, 2022
When you start playing with genealogy and learn you have a family member who is basically one step away from being a Saint, you read a book about her. This was a lot of people in this book and I'll admit that I got lost a couple of times. It was interesting nonetheless and kind of cool to know that if I ever get to Italy I can literally visit her.
Ecstasies , visions, prophecy, healing... Personally, I was more entertained seeing 2 family names within the pages!
Ecstasies , visions, prophecy, healing... Personally, I was more entertained seeing 2 family names within the pages!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews