St. Catherine of Siena HD

Catholic Online

21 Nov 201902:59

Summary

TLDRSt. Catherine of Siena, born in 1347, was a prominent Italian saint known for her devotion and service to the poor and sick. Despite her family's resistance, she chose a life of piety and joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic. At 21, she experienced a mystical marriage to Christ, prompting her to enter public life. St. Catherine was instrumental in peace efforts, persuaded the Pope to return to Rome, and established a monastery. She authored influential letters and 'Dialogue,' leading to her recognition as a Doctor of the Church. She died in 1380 and is the patroness against fire, illness, and ridicule for faith.

Takeaways

🎉 St. Catherine of Siena was born in Siena, Italy on March 25th, 1347.
👰 At 16, Catherine resisted her parents' proposal for her to marry her widowed brother-in-law by fasting and cutting her hair short.
🙏 She chose not to enter a convent but joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic, allowing her to live at home while associating with a religious society.
💸 St. Catherine was known for her generosity, giving away her family's food and clothing to those in need without permission.
🔮 At 21, she experienced a mystical marriage to Christ, which led her to enter public life to help the poor and sick.
🏥 She frequently visited hospitals and her charitable work quickly gained followers who assisted her mission.
🖊️ St. Catherine was a prolific writer, composing over 400 letters, her definitive work 'Dialogue,' and prayers.
✝️ She was instrumental in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome and was given the stigmata, visible only to herself.
🏰 In 1377, she established a monastery for women outside of Siena.
🏅 Declared a Doctor of the Church, her works are highly influential, and she is one of the most popular Saints, with her feast day on April 29th.

Q & A

Where was St. Catherine of Siena born?
-St. Catherine of Siena was born in Siena, Italy.
What significant event happened in Catherine's life at the age of 16?
-At the age of 16, Catherine's sister died, and her parents proposed that her sister's widower marry Catherine, but she opposed this.
How did Catherine resist her parents' proposal for her to marry?
-Catherine resisted by fasting and cutting her hair short to mar her appearance.
Why did Catherine not enter a convent but joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic instead?
-Catherine did not enter a convent because the Third Order of Saint Dominic allowed her to associate with a religious society while living at home.
What was Catherine's habit regarding her family's possessions?
-Catherine had a habit of giving away her family's food and clothing to people in need without asking permission.
At what age did Catherine have her mystical marriage to Christ?
-Catherine had her mystical marriage to Christ at the age of 21.
What was the directive Catherine received during her mystical marriage vision?
-During her mystical marriage vision, Catherine was told to enter public life to help the poor and sick.
What significant role did St. Catherine play in the church?
-St. Catherine was instrumental in persuading the Pope and Avignon to return to Rome and was known for her letters advocating for peace.
What is the significance of the stigmata that St. Catherine received?
-St. Catherine was given the stigmata, which were visible only to herself, signifying her deep spiritual connection to Christ's suffering.
What are some of St. Catherine's most influential works?
-St. Catherine's most influential works include over 400 letters, her definitive work 'Dialogue,' and her prayers.
When did St. Catherine die and what is her feast day?
-St. Catherine died on April 29th, 1380, and her feast day is celebrated on the same date.
Who is St. Catherine the patroness of?
-St. Catherine is the patroness against fire, illness, the United States, Italy, miscarriages, people ridiculed for their faith, sexual temptation, and nurses.

Outlines

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🔥 Life and Legacy of St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena was born in Italy on March 25th, 1347. At 16, she resisted her parents' proposal to marry her sister's widower by fasting and cutting her hair. Instead of joining a convent, she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic, allowing her to live at home while engaging with religious society. Catherine was known for her generosity, giving away her family's food and clothing to the needy without permission. At 21, she had a mystical marriage to Christ, which led her to public life, helping the poor and sick. She visited hospitals and quickly gained followers. St. Catherine was given the stigmata, visible only to her, and took Blessed Raymond of Kapua as her spiritual director. From 1375, she began dictating letters advocating for peace and was instrumental in the Pope's return to Rome. She also established a monastery for women in 1377. Her works, including over 400 letters, 'Dialogue,' and prayers, were highly influential, leading to her declaration as a Doctor of the Church. St. Catherine died on April 29th, 1380, and is the patroness against fire, illness, miscarriages, ridicule for faith, sexual temptation, and nurses.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena, born in Siena, Italy, is the central figure of the video. She is a Catholic saint known for her deep spirituality, acts of charity, and influence on the Church. The video highlights her life, works, and miracles, making her the thematic core around which the narrative revolves.

💡Third Order of Saint Dominic

The Third Order of Saint Dominic is a lay branch of the Dominican Order, allowing members to live a religious life while remaining in the world. Catherine joined this order, which is significant as it enabled her to engage in charitable works and spiritual practices without leaving her home, reflecting her commitment to both contemplative and active religious life.

💡Mystical marriage

A mystical marriage, as experienced by St. Catherine at the age of 21, is a spiritual union between a person and God, often symbolizing a deep, transformative relationship. In the video, this event is pivotal as it marks Catherine's call to public life and her dedication to serving the poor and the sick.

💡Stigmata

The stigmata are the wounds corresponding to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which some saints are said to have received. St. Catherine is noted to have received the stigmata, but it was visible only to herself, symbolizing her deep spiritual connection with Christ and her suffering in union with Him.

💡Peace petition

St. Catherine's peace petition refers to her efforts to persuade the Pope and the city of Avignon to return to Rome, which was a significant political and religious act. This demonstrates her influence and the Church's recognition of her wisdom and spiritual authority.

💡Dialogue

The 'Dialogue' is one of St. Catherine's definitive works, a spiritual text that conveys her teachings and contemplations. It is mentioned in the video as an influential piece of her literary legacy, showcasing her theological insights and her role as a teacher within the Church.

💡Doctor of the Church

Being declared a 'Doctor of the Church' is a high honor in the Catholic Church, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to theology and doctrine. St. Catherine's inclusion as a Doctor highlights the Church's esteem for her writings and teachings.

💡Fasting

Fasting is the act of abstaining from food, often for religious or spiritual reasons. In the video, Catherine's fasting is depicted as a form of penance and a means to deepen her spiritual life. It also serves as a testament to her commitment and discipline.

💡Patroness

A patroness is a saint who is invoked for protection or guidance in a particular area. St. Catherine is the patroness against fire, illness, and other challenges mentioned in the video. This role signifies the belief in her intercessory power and her relevance to the faithful.

💡Criticism

Criticism, as mentioned in the context of Catherine giving away her family's belongings without permission, refers to the disapproval or negative feedback she received. The video uses this term to illustrate her dedication to charity, even in the face of opposition, and her resilience in the face of criticism.

💡Spiritual director

A spiritual director, like Blessed Raymond of Capua, is a mentor who guides an individual's spiritual growth. In the video, Raymond's role is significant as he supported and advised St. Catherine, contributing to her spiritual journey and her mission to serve others.

Highlights

St. Catherine of Siena was born in Siena, Italy on March 25th, 1347.

At the age of 16, Catherine's sister died, leaving her husband a widower.

Her parents proposed that the widower marry Catherine as a replacement.

Catherine opposed this and began fasting and cutting her hair short to mar her appearance.

Despite her piety, Catherine did not enter a convent but joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic.

Catherine developed a habit of giving away her family's food and clothing to those in need.

At the age of 21, she had a mystical marriage to Christ and was told to enter public life to help the poor and sick.

St. Catherine visited hospitals and her activities quickly attracted followers.

She was given the stigmata, which was visible only to herself.

St. Catherine took Blessed Raymond of Capua as her confessor and spiritual director from 1375.

She began dictating letters, petitioning for peace and was instrumental in persuading the Pope to return to Rome.

In 1377, St. Catherine established a monastery for women outside of Siena.

She is credited with composing over 400 letters, her definitive work 'Dialogue,' and her prayers.

St. Catherine's works were so influential that she was later declared a Doctor of the Church.

She is one of the most influential and popular Saints in the Church.

St. Catherine died on April 29th, 1380, following a prolonged period of illness and fasting.

Her feast day is April 29th, and she is the patroness against fire, illness, miscarriages, ridicule for faith, sexual temptation, and nurses.