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Narrative: St. Catherine of Siena, mystic and political activist, was born in Siena, Italy. It is said that at the tender age of seven, following a vision of Christ, she vowed her virginity to Him. She was spiritually guided by the Dominicans and at the age of sixteen Catherine took the habit of the Dominican Tertiaries.
The three years to follow were spent in solitude and prayer. Those years ended with a vision convincing Catherine that Christ had accepted her as His bride. Her love for Christ brought her fully into the world and she attracted a family of devoted followers. Within this family she dictated letters of spiritual instruction and encouragement. She tended the sick and dying, often cleansing and dressing bodies for burial. Catherine had great compassion for condemned criminals, choosing to stay with them through their executions.
Catherine worked tirelessly to return the Papacy to Rome from Avignon. In 1375, she received the Stigmata. She died in agony at the age of 33 leaving behind her Dialogue and nearly 400 letters to people in all walks of life. In 1970, Catherine was named a Doctor of the Church.
St. Catherine of Siena understood how much God loves us, that He is, “crazy in love,” with us; as she said, “pazzo d’amore.”
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