Maddalena Albrici

Elected abbess of Sant'Andrea in Brunate, Maddalena led the community toward an exceptional renewal. In 1455, she brought the monastery under the direct jurisdiction of the Augustinian Congregation of Lombardy, a decision approved by Pope Pius II in 1459. With the support of Bianca Maria Visconti, Duchess of Milan, she founded the monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Como in 1455. She was also involved in civil peace in Como, supported by the preaching of Saint Bernardino of Siena.

Maddalena Albrici constantly sought evangelical perfection, preferring to obey rather than to command. She distinguished herself by her devotion to the Passion of Christ and encouraged frequent communion. Afflicted by a long and painful illness at the end of her life, she endured it with patience and serenity before passing away in May 1465 (on May 13 or 15).

After her death, her reputation for holiness spread and numerous miracles were attributed to her. Her tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Her cult ab immemorabili was confirmed on December 11, 1907, by Pope Saint Pius X, who bestowed upon her the title of Blessed. Her relics, transferred to San Giuliano in 1595 and then to the Cathedral of Como in 1784, were finally returned to the church of Sant'Andrea in Brunate in May 1998.

The legacy of Maddalena Albrici lies in the reform of Augustinian female monasticism in Lombardy, combining contemplation of the Passion, charity, and social pacification. She is depicted in a fresco in the church of Sant'Andrea in Brunate, wearing her black Augustinian habit. Her memory remains vivid in the diocese of Como and within the Augustinian family.