In 1774, Magdalene of Canossa was born in Verona, Italy, into a highly affluent family. After an accident claimed her father's life when Magdalene was just five years old, her uncle Girolamo took on the role of guardian for her and her brothers. Magdalene was raised in the Italian church from an early age, as her family consisted of powerful Italian nobility. Magdalene joined the Carmelites in 1791 in an attempt to determine her religious calling, but she quickly left the convent because she didn't like the Carmelite way of life.

After returning home, Magdalene took charge of the family estate, hosting Napoleon several times. The socioeconomic balance in Europe was upended by Napoleon and his troops, leaving many of the weak and impoverished in even worse circumstances. Magdalene felt called to meet the needs of those around her since she observed the suffering and cultural turmoil everywhere she looked. She planned to start a new society while she studied under the Carmelites.

Magdalene established the Canossian Daughters of Charity, who provided aid to those residing in Verona's shantytowns, with the help of her substantial inheritance. Magdalene received a donation of an old convent, which was followed by convents in Venice and Milan. In 1823, Pope Leo XII bestowed his blessings on the newly formed congregation. Francesco Luzzi, an enthusiastic Italian priest, joined with Mary Magdalene to establish the Canossian Brothers of Charity, an organization for men who desired to support Magdalene's charitable activities.

Magdalene passed away on 10 April 1835. However, her order has prospered, growing all over the world, from Italy to India.

In 1941, Pope Pius XII beatified Mary Magdalene, and in 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized her, more than forty years later.

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