(1347-1380) Catherine was the youngest of 24 children born to a wool-dyer in Siena, Italy. She had a vision of Jesus at age seven, after which she consecrated herself to him. She refused arranged marriages starting at 12 years old, and at 16 became a Third Order Dominican. People of every walk of life sought her out because of her holiness and for spiritual guidance, including Pope Gregory XI, whom Catherine convinced to return to Rome from Avignon, France. Catherine traveled extensively to help reform the Church and died at 33 years old. Her spiritual masterpiece is The Dialogue of Divine Providence, for which she was declared a Doctor of the Church.
“Even in the most difficult times, the Lord does not cease to bless his People, bringing forth Saints who give a jolt to minds and hearts, provoking conversion and renewal. Catherine is one of these and still today speaks to us and impels us to walk courageously toward holiness to be ever more fully disciples of the Lord” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience on November 24, 2010). Who has given you this jolt in recovery?
“Love transforms one into what one loves” (Saint Catherine of Siena).
Reflection by Brad Farmer