Defenses and Testimonies

Writings by contemporaries and later supporters who defended Savonarola’s life and doctrine.

Jan 9, 1538

9 min read

Miraculous Healing of Sister Caterina by the Lord, May 22, 1540

In the monastery of San Vincenzo in Prato, there was—and still is—a nun named Sister Caterina, daughter of Pierfrancesco de’ Ricci of Florence, who at the time was 18 years old. In the early part of the year 1538, in the month of March according to the Florentine calendar—thus two years and a few months had passed—she began to suffer continuous pain and torment in her body, accompanied by fever. According to the doctors, this was due to dropsy complicated by kidney stones, as was later clearly observed. And though every possible remedy had been tried, none proved effective. The doctor in Prato said: "Cease all treatments and baths being administered under my orders and those of Master Francesco Pagolo of Florence, for they only bring her further torment."

Sister Tommasa Martelli, O.P.

Defenses and Testimonies

Apr 9, 1542

8 min read

Vision of St. Catherine de' Ricci on the Feast of the Resurrection

I recall how on the morning of the most holy Resurrection of the Lord, between the hours of 9 and 10, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Sister Caterina, while she was in her cell. He was entirely clothed in glory, and His wounds were red with blood and radiated the utmost splendor. His head, adorned with beautiful hair, shone with immense light, particularly in the area marked by the cruel crown of thorns. Upon His head was a resplendent crown of gold. He also bore upon His shoulder a great cross, completely bloocdied and adorned with wonderful splendor: at its summit hung a small white and red banner, within which was painted a white lamb, stained with red, which shone with great brilliance.

Sister Tommasa Martelli, O.P.

Defenses and Testimonies

Sep 20, 2024

7 min read

The Prophecy Question

We have been able to consider the question of Savonarola’s obedience and excommunication independently of whether he was or was not a prophet, for a very simple reason: because the issue of obedience and excommunication concerns, on one hand, the concrete determinations of authority, according to the science of law and the prudence of command, and on the other hand, the corresponding commitment of the subject, according to the same legal science and moral virtue of submission. The question of prophecy, however, belongs to the realm of charisms—miracles, the gift of tongues, interpretation of Scripture, stigmata, raptures, bilocation, etc.—which are granted by God not directly for the sanctification of the chosen individuals, but for the common good of the Church.

Fra Giacinto Scaltriti, O.P.

Defenses and Testimonies

Jan 1, 1898

9 min read

Who was Fra Girolamo Savonarola?

Girolamo Savonarola was born on September 21, 1452, in Ferrara, and devoted from childhood to piety, solitude, and study. Distance from worldly pleasures caused him to quickly realize that beneath the splendor of the grand Renaissance lay the decay of a paganism striving to be reborn. He never once set foot in the Este Castle, where the nobility of his lineage could have easily granted him access, and where his rare and precocious knowledge could have earned him the most honorable positions.

Fra Lodovico Ferretti, O.P.

Defenses and Testimonies

May 23, 1954

9 min read

The Ban on Preaching

On July 21, 1495, Pope Alexander VI Borgia wrote a letter to Savonarola, lavishing him with exceptional praise, in which he summoned him to Rome in order to better learn "that which is pleasing to God" from Savonarola himself (Alessandro VI e Savonarola - Brevi e lettere, Chiesa S. Domenico, Torino 1950, pag. 58).

Fra Giacinto Scaltriti, O.P.

Defenses and Testimonies

Apr 9, 1542

8 min read