St. Catherine of Siena
Doctor of the Church, Mystic
Feast Day: April 29
Biography
St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380) was a Dominican tertiary (laywoman) and mystic who became one of the most influential women in Church history. The 24th of 25 children born to a Sienese cloth dyer, she experienced visions from childhood and dedicated herself to prayer and service at a young age. She nursed the sick (including plague victims), counseled prisoners on death row, and became a trusted advisor to bishops, cardinals, and popes. Her most dramatic achievement was persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome in 1377, ending the 'Babylonian Captivity' of nearly 70 years. Her major work, 'The Dialogue,' is a profound mystical theology dictated during ecstasies. She received the stigmata (invisible during her lifetime, visible after death) and offered herself as a victim for the unity of the Church. She died in Rome at age 33. She was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and a co-patroness of Europe by Pope John Paul II.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O St. Catherine, you loved the Church with a burning heart and spoke truth even to the powerful. Grant me courage to live my faith boldly and to work for the unity of Christ's Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Catherine of Siena, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Catherine of Siena, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.