Category:
Feast day: April 29
Birth: 1347 – Death: 1380
Doctor of the Church
Patron saint of journalists, media, and nurses.
St. Catherine of Siena, a towering mystic and influential writer in Catholic history, broke barriers with her boldness and political involvement during a time when such roles were rare for women. Born in Siena, Italy, in 1347, amidst the plague, she was the 25th of her mother’s children (many of whom did not survive). Catherine joined the Third Order of St. Dominic as a teenager and experienced profound spiritual phenomena, including the stigmata and a mystical Crown of Thorns.
Devoted to serving the poor and sick, Catherine gained followers who joined her mission of charity and reform. She played a crucial role in advocating for Church renewal, encouraging deep faith, and restoring the Papacy to Rome during a period of political turmoil. Despite her fragile health, her work for peace and unity left an indelible mark.
Catherine passed away at just 33, but her legacy didn’t end there.
When Catherine passed away in Rome, her beloved hometown of Siena yearned to bring her back. Knowing they couldn’t sneak her entire body past the watchful Roman guards, a few determined followers took only her head, carefully tucking it into a paper bag. When confronted by the guards, they turned to Catherine in prayer, asking for her protection. As the guards inspected the bag, instead of finding the saint’s head, they saw hundreds of rose petals. Safely returning to Siena, the petals transformed back into Catherine’s head, completing her final, awe-inspiring miracle. Today, her head is enshrined in a splendid reliquary in Siena, while the rest of her incorrupt body is preserved in the stunning Dominican Church of Santa Maria Della Minerva in Rome, a testament to her enduring holiness.
Known for her mystical visions and profound union with God, Catherine wrote extensively about her spiritual experiences. Her “Dialogues” remain a foundational work of Catholic mysticism. She was named a Doctor of the Church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, the first woman to receive this honor for her profound theological writings.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
The Catholic faith offers a wealth of resources and practices that can contribute to a healthier mind and spirit.
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