Today's Saint (April 29): Catherine of Siena

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Catherine of Siena


Catherine (c. 1347 - 1380) of Siena was the youngest of some twenty children of a Sienese, Italian woman. Early on in her life she devoted herself to prayer and penance. She refused marriage, insisting instead to be espoused to Our Lord.

Catherine was a nun of the Dominican Third Order. She visited the poor and sick often, and helped many to convert to Christ.

Because of her personal holiness, she received numerous criticisms, both from her family and from those whom she met. Nonetheless, many saw her as a living example of the Gospel of Christ in action bringing light to those who sat in darkness.

The accompany painting, entitled "The Death of Saint Catherine of Siena," by Giovanni de Paolo (1400 - 1482) is a Temera on panel.

"Thou has loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: therefore God even thy God hat anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." (The day's Introit, page F 39, The People's Anglican Missal).

The Day's Propers
Catholic Encyclopedia Article

Books Worth Considering
Catherine of Siena
Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue
Early Dominicans: Selected Writings (The Classics of Western Spirituality)

Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church

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