Maria Maddalena Starace was an Italian religious sister born in 1845 in Castellammare di Stabia. After initial health challenges prevented her from joining a convent as a young girl, she eventually became a member of the Servite Order, adopting the name Maria Maddalena of the Passion. She dedicated herself to serving the poor and the sick, particularly during cholera outbreaks near Naples. This mission led her to found the Compassionist Sisters Servants of Mary, a congregation established to provide relief to those in need.