Saint Catherine of Siena

April 29, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Today is the feast day of Saint Catherine of Siena!

Today we will be talking about the life and legacy of this great Saint, one of the first female doctors of the Church.

A Faithful Young Girl Who Saw Visions of Angels

Saint Catherine of Siena was born on March 25, 1347, in Siena, Italy. Her given name was Caterina Benincasa and she was the youngest of 25 children. Although her mother bore them, many of Catherine's siblings died during their childhood. From a young age, Catherine loved her faith. She thought of her father as Jesus, her mother as Mary, and her siblings as the disciples. This way, she found it easier to serve and love them with humility. In her youth she had visions of angels.

When Catherine's sister Bonaventura died, her parents suggested that Catherine marry her late sister's husband. Catherine had consecrated her virginity to God and was adamant that she could not marry. She fasted and cut her hair very short in order to look less attractive. She prayed fervently, and once her parents saw these things, they decided not to force her into the marriage. After this, Catherine's parents allowed her to join the Third Order of Saint Dominic as a tertiary. A tertiary is a member of a monastic Third Order who is allowed to take simple vows and does not have to live in the convent or monastery. This way, Catherine did not have to enter the convent and could learn from the Dominican sisters while still living at home.

Catherine Devoted Her Life to Helping Others

Catherine loved to pray quietly alone with God, and then serve others with love and joy. She was known for her great generosity to the poor and frequently gave away food, clothing, and other items. When Catherine was in her early twenties, she experienced a "mystical marriage to Christ." She was overcome with love for her Spouse and felt that He was calling her to re-enter society and help those in need. She had no hesitation in serving the poor and sick. Her reputation began to grow, and she became widely known as a very holy young woman. She gave of her time and talents freely to anyone who could benefit from them, teaching them about the love and mercy of God in the process. She practiced self-denial and was more concerned with the needs of others than her own.

Catherine's Ministry Spread Beyond Siena

As her ministry began to spread beyond Siena, Catherine traveled throughout Italy and worked towards promoting reform of the Church. She spoke to many and encouraged citizens to give their hearts totally to God. Catherine toiled to keep rebellious cities such as Florence loyal to the Pope. She became involved in politics and took action to encourage peace within the Church. She proposed a crusade against the Muslims. While in Avignon, Catherine persuaded the Pope to return to Rome.
Catherine brought many people back to obedience to the Pope and won hardened souls for God. She was instrumental in arranging peace treaties between the Italian states and restoring the papacy to Rome. From Rome she sent out letters and exhortations to gain support for Pope Urban VI, and in 1378 she helped him to reorganize the Church. Queen Joan I of Naples had been excommunicated by Pope Urban VI for supporting the antipope, Clement VII. Catherine tried tirelessly to win back the Queen's obedience to the Church.

Her Final Years

Before her death, Saint Catherine began dictating letters to scribes. She is credited with composing roughly 400 letters, her Dialogue (which was 4 treatises), and about 30 of her own prayers. In 1377 Catherine established a monastery for women just outside of Siena.

In 1380, at the age of 33, Catherine became very ill. Her confessor, Raymond of Capua, believed her illness was due to her extreme fasting. He ordered Catherine to eat, but she found it very difficult to do so, as she had become accustomed to offer up her fasting for the conversion of souls. Catherine died on April 29th, after suffering a stroke a week earlier. Saint Catherine is the patroness against fire and illness. She is also the patroness of the United States, Italy, women suffering from miscarriages, people ridiculed for their faith, those who struggle with sexual temptation, and nurses.

In 1970, Pope Paul VI declared Saints Catherine of Siena and Teresa of Avila to be the first women Doctors, or Teachers, of the Church. Her feast day is on April 29th.

Prayer to Saint Catherine of Siena for Nurses

Dear Saint Catherine, because of your devotion to Jesus, God used you to bring healing to the world. Lord God, through the prayers of Saint Catherine of Siena, please bless all nurses. Heal every person who is in their care. May their loving attention and kindness help draw their patients to You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Check out this page for devotional items to Saint Catherine of Siena!

Before You Go

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