saint catherine of siena - biography
Catherine of Siena was the youngest of almost two dozen children of Giacomo di Benincasa, a Sienese dyer, and his wife Lapa. Catherine was most likely born in the year1347. She is thought to have had a twin sister who died soon after birth. As a child, she dedicated her virginity to Christ, and as a young woman she joined the Dominican Order as a tertiary. She lived a secluded life in her home, practicing bodily mortification and fasting, until about the year 1366, when she experienced what she would later describe as a "Mystical Marriage" with Jesus. This experience has been the subject of many works of art through the years, especially during the Renaissance. After this event, Catherine began to practice good works by serving the poor and the sick.
In 1370, Catherine received a series of visions which caused her to leave her secluded lifestyle permanently. She began to lead a public life, and write many letters (or dictated, since she received no formal education and is thought to have been illiterate) to influential people to encourage peace between the states if Italy, the return of the Papal Seat to Rome, and Church reform. One of her correspondents was Pope Gregory XI. She influenced this Pope so much that he returned the Holy See to Rome in January of 1377. When Pope Gregory XI died in 1378, the Western Schism erupted. During this time, Catherine adhered to Pope Urban VI, who summoned her to Rome soon after he ascended the throne. She lived there until her death in 1380. Catherine was buried in the Dominican church of S. Maria sopra Minerva, but her head was removed and returned to her hometown of Siena.
Catherine of Siena was canonized in 1461 by Pope Pious II, and her Feast Day is celebrated on April 29. In 1970, she received the great honor of being named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. She was the first women to hold this title, and currently there are only two other women so honored.
(Image: Tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome)