Saint Catherine of Sienne
Her story
Catherine, the youngest of a very large family (24 brothers and sisters) heard the call to consecrate herself to God at an early age. At sixteen, she became a Dominican tertiary, while living a life of austerity and prayer in the midst of her family.
She took a vow of virginity, but the small group of friends who listened to her and supported her (the Caterinis) called her ‘mother’.
Asceticism and prayer helped her to live in close union with Christ, while at the same time being concerned about the realities of life.
She helped the poor and sick of Siena, and wrote to the great men of her time.
Her main concern was the unity of the Church.
Without any hang-ups, she wrote a burning letter to the Pope, who was in Avignon at the time, urging him to return to Rome. She even went looking for him.
Western Christendom was divided between several popes, and she supported Urban VI, deploying a wealth of activity and diplomacy to unite the Church around him.
She also took part in the struggles between the Italian cities.
The recluse of Siena
The recluse of Siena travelled tirelessly as a mediator in northern Italy and southern France.
Yet this overflowing activity was not the whole of Saint Catherine.
It was only the apparent face of an intense mystical life, with ecstasies during which her disciples, amazed, copied the prayers that escaped from her lips.
Her ‘Dialogue’, which is also one of the classics of the Italian language, recounts these passionate conversations with Christ, whom she joined in the beatific vision at the age of 33.
Proclaimed Doctor of the Church
Proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1970.
Co-Patroness of Europe, where she is celebrated with a ‘feast day’.
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