Catherine of Siena
1347~1380
April 29

In a span of only 33 years, Catherine Benincasa left an indelible mark on the world. This illiterate woman, the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa, became a peacemaker, advisor to popes, avid letter writer, and most importantly, beloved friend of God. In 1970, Pope Paul VI bestowed the ultimate recognition on the legacy of Catherine by conferring on her the title Doctor of the Church.

Catherine’s intense mystical relationship with God is shared with us in her only major written work, The Dialogue. In this, she uses poetic imagery to describe the indescribable: the incredible love that God has for us, and the incredible love that IS God. With Jesus as our bridge to help us move from this world to the next over the course of our lifetime, we are called to a life of charitable service with others. Catherine equated love of God with love of neighbor as we are made with the very need to be dependent on others. With God as the fountain, we both fill ourselves in that outpouring of love and then share that with our neighbor.

Catherine of Siena lived in a century of war, scandal in the Church, and intense sickness and suffering. The 14th century mirrors our own time in amazing ways. Her work for peace, for loving relationships with others and God, and her charity and service are all models for us to reflect on today.

We pray to you, our beloved Catherine, to fill us with your zeal for peace so that we may help heal a broken world. Walking side by side with Jesus, may we all come to know ever more deeply the incredible love of God.