St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena was born during the outbreak of the plague in Siena, Italy on March 25, 1347. She was the 25th child born to her mother, although half of her brothers and sisters did not survive childhood. Catherine herself was a twin, but her sister did not survive infancy. Her mother was 40 when she was born, and her father was a cloth dyer. From an early age, Catherine showed signs of deep spirituality and a desire for prayer and contemplation.

At the age of 16, Catherine's sister, Bonaventura, died, leaving her husband as a widower. Catherine's parents proposed that he marry Catherine as a replacement, but Catherine strongly opposed this arrangement. She began fasting and cut her hair short to mar her appearance, demonstrating her determination to dedicate her life to God. Despite her parents' initial resistance, her fasting and devotion to her family eventually convinced them to allow her to live as she pleased.

Despite her religious nature, Catherine did not choose to enter a convent and instead joined the Third Order of St. Dominic, which allowed her to associate with a religious society while living at home. Fellow Dominican sisters taught her how to read, and she lived quietly, isolated within her family home. Catherine developed a habit of giving things away, continually giving away her family's food and clothing to people in need without asking permission, and she quietly endured their criticisms.

At the age of 21, something profound changed in Catherine's life. She described an experience she referred to as her "mystical marriage to Christ." There are debates over whether she was given a ring - some claim it was bejeweled, while others claim it was made of Jesus's skin. Catherine herself wrote that the ring was invisible. This mystical experience transformed her, and she was told to reenter public life and help the poor and sick.

Catherine immediately rejoined her family and went into public to help people in need. She often visited hospitals and homes where the poor and sick were found. Her activities quickly attracted followers who helped her in her mission. Catherine became involved in politics and was instrumental in working to keep city states loyal to the Pope. She was credited with helping to start a crusade to the Holy Land and was instrumental in persuading the Pope in Avignon to return to Rome. Catherine died on April 29, 1380, at the age of 33, following a stroke. Her feast day is celebrated on April 29th.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Catherine of Siena is celebrated on April 29th, during the Easter season. This date falls during a time of renewal and joy, which is fitting for a saint whose life was dedicated to the renewal of the Church and the spiritual transformation of society. The feast is celebrated as a memorial throughout the Church, with special devotion in Italy and among Dominicans.

Traditions and Customs

On St. Catherine's feast day, many Dominicans and lay people celebrate with special prayers and Masses. Some churches hold educational programs about her life and writings. Many people pray for her intercession for Church unity, political peace, and spiritual guidance. The day is also marked by celebrations in Siena, Italy, where she was born.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray the Prayer to St. Catherine of Siena or to make a special petition for Church unity, political peace, or spiritual guidance. Many people also read her writings, particularly her Dialogue, or make pilgrimages to her shrine in Siena.