You're Dead to Me
Benedetta Carlini (Radio Edit)
Nov 29, 2024
Professor Michelle Sauer, an expert in medieval studies and queer theory, joins comedian Sophie Duker and host Greg Jenner to unveil the captivating life of Benedetta Carlini, a 17th-century Italian nun. They discuss her miraculous visions, including stigmata, and the intrigue surrounding her secret relationship with another nun, Bartolomea. The conversation digs into the historical contexts of female same-sex relationships while humorously imagining Benedetta as a modern social media influencer, making this tale of miracles and scandal both enlightening and entertaining.
28:14
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Quick takeaways
- Benedetta Carlini's life highlights the complexities of gender roles and religious authority in 17th-century Italy, reshaping perceptions of female power.
- Her dramatic rise and fall illustrate the conflict between spiritual experiences and institutional suspicion, leading to her eventual downfall and isolation.
Deep dives
Benedetta Carlini's Early Life and Spiritual Beginnings
Benedetta Carlini was born on January 20, 1590, in Volano, Tuscany, as the only child of a wealthy family. Her father, the third richest man in the village, dedicated her to God after a difficult childbirth, leading her to join the convent at the young age of nine. From an early age, Benedetta exhibited signs of a mystical calling, including experiences such as reciting litanies and having visions. By the time she was a teenager, she became known for her unique spiritual encounters, which included moments with a mysterious black dog and visions that suggested a divine presence.
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