1909 Catholic Dictionary
Penitent, born Laviano, Tuscany, 1249; died Cortona, 1297. After living for some time as a concubine, she repented and, as a Franciscan tertiary, became a model of penitence and charity. She founded a congregation of Tertiary sisters (Poverelle) a confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy, and a hospital for the sick poor. Represented in art, following a dog to the corpse of her lover, holding a cross in her hand, and receiving a visit from Bon angel. Canonized, 1728. Feast, 22 February.