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After the Countess Teresa’s departure the Canossa family hired a governess for the girls, a French woman, Francesca Capron.

Relations between the governess and Magdalene were cordial at first, but as time went by, the unscrupulous governess began to detest Magdalene's unwavering moral convictions. Magdalene became the target of her teacher’s unfairness and cruelty. Everything she did was interpreted the wrong way.

Nonetheless Magdalene maintained absolute silence; never rebelled or lacked respect or obedience in the face of ill-treatment  and injustice. She certainly knew how to suffer with a maturity and strength beyond her years.

This sad state of affairs came to an end in 1789 the governess left the service of the Canossa household to marry. Magdalene had already forgiven Miss Capron for her past indiscretions and sent her a wedding present.

After such a trying period, Magdalene was struck down by a series of illnesses. First she came down with a mysterious fever that threatened her very existence. When the fever passed, she began to suffer severe pain in the leg, which kept her confined to bed. This was followed by smallpox and she had to be isolated from her family.

Her whole body was covered with pustules and she looked like a leper. Her family feared that she would be permanently  pox-marked, but Magdalene reassured those around her, saying, "I don’t have to look pleasing. I am going to be a nun."

Magdalene faced her illness with strength and courage; she never complained or showed signs of intolerance.

By the grace of God, Magdalene recovered, but her body was harmed forever: from that time on she was weak in the chest and her movements were hindered by a contraction in her arms. Pain followed her for the rest of her days.

Her family believed that Magdalene’s recovery was a miracle from heaven. They were to learn that the real miracle would be the tireless activity of a body weakened by disease.

Once she had recovered, Magdalene felt strongly the divine call that she had felt in her childhood. Her illness had shown her the falsity of worldly illusions and turned her towards God. It was during her period of recuperation that she was drawn very strongly to charity for the poor, the sick, the orphans, those without love.

At that time also, overtures were made to find Magdalene a prospective match. She thus felt it time to announce her intentions. She announced that she had already given her consent to the most beautiful, wealthy and good man in the world - Jesus Christ.

Magdalene's religious vocation had matured during her trial, and having passed through the crucible of suffering, she was now ready to overcome any obstacle. Alongside her religious vocation, the Lord had instilled another special inclination in her, that of charitable service. Throughout her illness and pain, and when she was being ill-treated by her governess, she developed a sympathy towards young people without love and guidance. She was resolved to assist them.

It was at this time that Italy was plunged into war. It would be a time of social and religious unrest, and the young and poor would be the most numerous and defenceless victims.

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