St. Catherine of Siena HD

Summary

St. 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.