Her father became a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic while she was still young. This connection to the Dominican order would play a significant role in her spiritual development. From an early age, Stephana exhibited a deep religious inclination.

After the death of her spiritual mentor Matthew Carrieri at the age of 14, Stephana began working as a servant to support herself but continued her formation within the Third Order. At 15 years old, she made her formal profession at the Dominican priory in Soncino. Driven by her compassion for the poor and sick, she founded a community of Third Order Sisters in Socino and served as its first prioress.

Throughout her life, Blessed Stephana endured significant physical and moral suffering which she viewed as part of her spiritual journey towards holiness. She practiced extreme austerities including perpetual fasting and wearing hair shirts. Despite these hardships, she possessed remarkable spiritual gifts; it is said that she could read people’s hearts and minds.

Death and Legacy

Blessed Stephana accurately predicted the date of her own death on January 2, 1530. Following her passing from natural causes in Socino, her tomb quickly became a pilgrimage site where many sought intercession through her prayers. Her cult was officially recognised by Pope Benedict XIV on December 14, 1740.