By Andrew Winter
Catherine of Siena’s feast day is April 29.
1.
Catherine was the 24th of 25 children, the daughter of a poor dye tradesman in Siena. She was a very pious girl, and at age 7 took a vow of virginity.
2.
When her family found out her intention not to marry, they treated her very poorly, giving her the lowest work in the house. But when she became an adult, Jesus appeared to her and gave her a wedding ring which only she could see. He was her bridegroom.
3.
Catherine became a third-order Dominican, and quickly became known around Siena for her piety. So many sinners came to her for advice that three priests were needed to hear the confessions of those she moved to repentance.
4.
At this time, Italy was in religious uproar, and several cities were in rebellion against the pope. Catherine entered the political scene and wrote many letters trying to rekindle loyalty to the Holy See.
5.
During this uprising, the papal court was not in Rome, but had been in Avignon, France, for the last 70 years. Catherine travelled to Avignon and told Pope Gregory XI in person that he must return to Rome. She reminded him of an oath he had once made to bring the papacy back to its home, even though he had never mentioned that oath to anyone.
6.
Finally, Catherine brought a measure of peace back to the squabbling cities of Italy, most notably in Florence, which had been under interdict. While working to pacify the unrest, Catherine survived an attempt on her life.
7.
After Gregory died, Pope Urban VI was elected, but a discontented group of cardinals quickly elected an antipope. Catherine wrote a flurry of letters defending Urban’s legitimate election, and he asked that she come to Rome to assist him in his cause.
8.
Before the great scandal of the two (and later, three) popes was ended, Catherine died in 1380 at age 33. Only after her death were the signs of the stigmata visible on her body.
9.
Catherine of Siena’s feast day is April 29. She is the patron saint of firefighters and against miscarriages, and is one of only four female doctors of the Church.
