Saint Catherine of Siena
I have to confess that before I became a Dominican friar I did not know much about Saint Catherine of Siena. Basically, I had heard the name. I do remember when I was visiting Saint Paul University in Ottawa hearing how influential she was in the history of the Church. But I only came to appreciate how significant a person she was in my time as a Dominican.
What is most true is the Catherine invites us into a deeper understanding of, or an experience of, the profound love that God has for us. Having mystical experiences even early in her life, at around 6 years old, of Jesus himself, it becomes clear she has a tremendous and amazing call from God to enter into a most deep relationship.
Saint Catherine of Siena is also a model for being both active and contemplative. In her active ministry, she cared deeply for the poor. With her profound mystical experiences of Jesus himself, she was a deep contemplative. In this way she modeled Dominican life at its finest, and did so not as a friar, or a contemplative nun, but as a lay woman who was a member of the Third Order (Lay Dominicans today).
In perhaps every aspect of her life, Saint Catherine of Siena was unique. She was one of 25 children, though many died as children. She was influential in the Church because of her primary quality of holiness. Moreover, in a time when women had little influence, she spoke with the pope (or perhaps popes as this was during the Avignon papacy), distinctions that led her to be named a Doctor of the Church.
The reason I believe she is so influential for us today is because there is some aspect of her life that makes her approachable for us. Saint Catherine of Siena is, of course, an amazing mystical saint. She shows us the power the love of Jesus, and how that leads one to serve the poor and the Church.
If you are looking for a better balance in your life between active ministry and contemplation, Saint Catherine of Siena is the saint for you.
On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.
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