History of Beata Ana María Taigi, example for marriages

In the Basilica of San Crisgono in Rome, the remains of Beata Ana María Taigi rest, a key figure for the history of this temple, guarded by the Trinitarian order since 1850.

The imposing basilica, one of the oldest in the city, was built in the fourth century over the house of the Christagon martyr, a Roman soldier who gave his life after becoming Christianity. Still the original structure and the underground remains of the primitive basilica can be contemplated today, commissioned by Emperor Constantine.

In conversation with ACI Press, Fr. Antonio Aurelio, Vicar General of the Trinitarian order, emphasizes that, despite its deterioration, the primitive basilica is “one of the most important in Rome”, highlighting that it was completely covered with frescoes, among them, possibly the first representation of San Benito.

The Spanish priest explains that due to the frequent floods caused by the Tiber, “the current Rome is several meters above the original level of the imperial city.”

The Trinitarian presence in San Crisgono is due to Ana María Taigi, a sec Carlo at the four fountains.

After his death, which occurred because of leprosy – which initially prevented his burial in a common cemetery – his remains were transferred to this basilica as part of the beatification process. The Trinitarian order offered a chapel expressly dedicated to this Blessed, where its relics are preserved today.

Mystical gifts and numerous revelations

Ana María was born in Siena in 1769 in a humble family. “His father, without resources, decided to move to Rome with his family on foot. There, he began working from a young age to help at home,” explains Father Aurelio. He later served in the noble Chigi family, where he met his future husband, the family’s mailman, Domingo Taigi, with whom he had seven children, of which four died.

Well known in Rome for her mystical gifts, Beata had numerous revelations, including visions on the choice of potatoes. According to Fr. Aurelio, one of his visions prophesied that a simple priest would reach the pontificate. Years later, “that priest became Pope Pius IX, who donated the Basilica to the Trinitarians in gratitude.”

During a time of doctrinal crisis in the Catholic Church, Ana María Taigi was a reference of Christian fidelity and life. He advised Cardinals and was heard even by the potatoes. “He lived with dignity poverty and helped the most needy without ever neglecting his family,” says Vicar General.

He always fulfilled his role as wife and mother

Her husband used to say that Ana María “had married first with God and then with him”, but always fulfilled his role as wife and mother. For this reason, it is considered an exemplary model for marriages, especially for young people.

In fact, Domingo Taigi left written: “When I arrived at my house, I found her full of unknown people who came to consult my wife. But she soon saw me, she left anyone, even if she was a monsignor or a great lady and was going to serve me, and to serve my food, and help me with that immense affection of a wife she always had for me.”

“For me and for my children, Ana María was the happiness of the family. She kept peace at home, despite the fact that we were enough and of very different temperaments (…) Every morning she gathered us all at home for a small prayer, and every night she made us gather for the reading of a spiritual book. The children always took them to the Holy Mass on Sunday Beata

An example of holiness in marriage

Fr. Aurelio points out that many pilgrims come to the Basilica to visit Ana María’s body, because he is “a person and a very close figure.” Although several centuries ago it existed, “when you read her life it seems that you are reading that of a person who can know her today, with the same difficulties today.”

Despite his extraordinary gifts, Taigi led a simple life, facing everyday difficulties with his family. “His story is still close,” says Fr. Aurelio, who remembers that last year all the Catholic action of Poland dedicated him a year in his memory.

Ana María died on June 9, 1867 at the age of 68. For years he suffered great spiritual dryness and interior anguish. Before he died, he suffered seven months of painful agony and suffered a lot to see four of his seven children die. However, and despite everything, his smile did not disappear from his lips.

Every Tuesday, in the Basilica of San Crisgono, a Mass is celebrated in its chapel, where it is especially for marriages. At present, Ana María Taigi continues to touch hearts. “It is not necessary to make a great effort to demonstrate that he is a person who can help us, who can serve us in our daily lives and that has discovered many marriages.”