Born: March 25, 1347, Siena (modern-day Italy)

Died: April 29, 1380, Rome

Nationality: Italian 

Vocation: third order religious, lay

Attributes: crown of thorns, stigmata, book, crucifix, habit, lily

Patronage: Italy, Europe, Rome, journalists, the media, nursing, fire prevention

Beatification: 1460, by Pope Pius II

Canonization: 1461, by Pope Pius II

There is nothing we can desire or want that we do not find in God.

Caterina di Giacomo di Benincasa was born as the 23rd of the Benincasas 25 children in Siena (then an independent city-state). Incredibly devout from early childhood, she had her first vision of Christ at the age of seven, prompting young Catherine to consecrate herself to the Lord as a virgin.

However, when the girl was a teenager, her parents resolved to marry her off, as was the common practice during the 14th century. Knowing her call, Catherine resisted by cutting her long hair. Her parents eventually relented after seeing her piety and realizing that God had other plans for their daughter.

Catherine soon became a Third Order Dominican, or Tertiary, meaning she remained a laywoman but practiced the spirituality of a religious order. In her young adulthood, she continued to experience mystical visions and apparitions. From ages 18 to 21, she spent the vast majority of her time away from the presence of others, intensely focusing on prayer, fasting and asceticism. In the midst of experiencing mystical ecstasies, Catherine is said to have often felt deep spiritual desolation or dryness.

After several years, Catherine became reintegrated with the outside world. She spent much of her time helping the most marginalized communities in society, including leper colonies. The holy laywoman began to garner a following and soon became known for the eloquent letters she sent to those who followed her. 

Catherine eventually became a key advisor to Pope Gregory XI, and his successor Urban VI. At the time the papacy had been removed from Rome, and resided in the southern French city of Avignon for over six decades. Through her correspondence, she is widely credited with helping encourage Gregory to return to Rome in 1377 – where he would spend the last year of his pontificate.

After Gregory’s death in 1378, the Great Schism began, where Christendom was thrown into dispute over who was the true pontiff. Three men were acknowledged as pope by different factions. Catherine remained in Rome praying and affirming Pope Urban VI’s identity against the false popes. 

Towards the end of her life, she was graced with receiving the stigmata – the wounds of Christ – but these were not visible to others until her death. Catherine died of a stroke, at the age of 33. She was canonized less than 100 years later, and in 1970, became one of only four women in history to be given the title “Doctor of the Church.” For her profound efforts, she is regarded as a co-patron saint of Italy and Europe.

St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us.