feast day: April 29
patronage: fire prevention
about:
- born: 25 March 1347, Siena
- died: 29 April 1380, Rome
- attributes: Dominican tertiaries' habit, lily, book, crucifix, heart, crown of thorns, stigmata, ring, dove, rose, skull, miniature church, miniature ship bearing Papal coat of arms
- as a child, she had mystical experiences, seeing guardian angels of others.
- one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day
- she continued to have visions of Christ, Mary and the Saints
- she was given the stigmata which became visible after her death
- She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer and austerity. Gradually a group of followers gathered around her—men and women, priests and religious. An active public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. Her letters, mostly for spiritual instruction and encouragement of her followers, began to take more and more note of public affairs. Opposition and slander resulted from her mixing fearlessly with the world and speaking with the candor and authority of one completely committed to Christ. She was cleared of all charges at the Dominican General Chapter of 1374.
- The works of St. Catherine of Siena rank among the classics of the Italian language, written in the beautiful Tuscan vernacular of the fourteenth century. Notwithstanding the existence of many excellent manuscripts, the printed editions present the text in a frequently mutilated and most unsatisfactory condition. Her writings consist of
- the "Dialogue", or "Treatise on Divine Providence";
- a collection of nearly four hundred letters; and
- a series of "Prayers".
- her letters are considered the most brilliant writings in the history of the Catholic Church
links/ sources:
- "Catherine of Siena" (Wikipedia):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_of_Siena
- "St. Catherine of Siena" (Catholic Encyclopedia):
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm
- "St. Catherine of Siena" (Catholic Online):
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=9
- "St. Catherine of Siena" (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1368
- "Saint Catherine of Siena Virgin" (EWTN):
https://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/CATSIENA.HTM
