Saint Of The Day April 29: Catherine of Siena, Patroness of Europe and Italy

One of the most influential women in history in her simplicity: Catherine of Siena. She is considered the patroness of nurses, of Europe and Italy

She is a woman of great simplicity of heart, moreover illiterate that she tried to learn to read and write only out of regard for what she needed.

A diligent instrument in the hands of God is what can be, in canonical terms, a doctor of the church.

Among the pillars and milestones, together with other doctors of the Church who have amazed us also for their distinguished culture, Catherine of Siena defends herself well and stands thanks to divine wisdom.

Saint Catherine of Siena’s Story

The value Catherine makes central in her short life and which sounds clearly and consistently through her experience is complete surrender to Christ.

What is most impressive about her is that she learns to view her surrender to her Lord as a goal to be reached through time.

She was the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa and grew up as an intelligent, cheerful, and intensely religious person.

Catherine disappointed her mother by cutting off her hair as a protest against being overly encouraged to improve her appearance in order to attract a husband.

Her father ordered her to be left in peace, and she was given a room of her own for prayer and meditation.

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.

Her public influence reached great heights because of her evident holiness, her membership in the Dominican Third Order, and the deep impression she made on the pope.

She worked tirelessly for the crusade against the Turks and for peace between Florence and the pope.

In 1378, the Great Schism began, splitting the allegiance of Christendom between two, then three, popes and putting even saints on opposing sides.

Catherine spent the last two years of her life in Rome, in prayer and pleading on behalf of the cause of Pope Urban VI and the unity of the Church.

She offered herself as a victim for the Church in its agony. She died surrounded by her “children” and was canonized in 1461.

Catherine ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church

In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy.

Pope Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church in 1970.

Her spiritual testament is found in The Dialogue.

Read Also

Saint Of The Day For April 28: Saint Peter Chanel

Pope Francis Says He Wants To Visit Argentina In 2024

Gospel Of Sunday 23 April: Luke 24, 13-35

Gospel Of Sunday 16 April: John 20, 19-31

Gospel Of Sunday 09 April: John 20, 1-9

Gospel Of Sunday 02 April: Matthew 26, 14-27, 66

Gospel Of Sunday 26 March: John 11, 1-45

Easter 2023, It’s Time For Greetings To Spazio Spadoni: “For All Christians It Represents Rebirth”

Sister Giovanna Chemeli’s Testimony: “Spazio Spadoni… A Space For Me Too!”

From Italy To Benin: Sister Beatrice Presents Spazio Spadoni And The Works Of Mercy

Congo, The Holy Family Sisters’ Five Ponds As A Rehabilitation Of Nutritional Health

Volunteering In Congo? It’s Possible! Sister Jacqueline’s Experience Testifies To This

The Novices Of The Misericordia Of Lucca And Versilia Presented: Spazio Spadoni Supports And Accompanies The Journey

Source

Franciscan Media

You might also like