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Catherine of Siena: The Life of an Extraordinary Mystic and Doctor of the Church

Eddie Powell

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Published in Catherine Of Siena Sigrid Undset

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Catherine of Siena was born in Siena, Italy, in 1347. She was the youngest of 25 children born to a wealthy wool dyer and his wife. Catherine's mother died when she was five years old, and her father remarried a short time later. Catherine's stepmother was cruel and abusive, and Catherine often sought refuge in the local Dominican church.

Catherine of Siena

by Sigrid Undset

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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At the age of five, Catherine had her first vision of Jesus Christ. She saw him in a vision of glory, surrounded by angels and saints. Catherine was so moved by this vision that she vowed to dedicate her life to God. She began to practice extreme asceticism, wearing a hair shirt and sleeping on a bed of thorns. She also spent many hours in prayer and meditation.

In 1366, Catherine joined the Dominican Free Download as a tertiary. As a tertiary, she was not required to live in a convent, but she was expected to follow the Dominican rule of life. Catherine continued to practice extreme asceticism, and she also began to receive visions and messages from God.

In 1370, Catherine was sent to Avignon, France, to plead with Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome. The pope had been living in Avignon for over 70 years, and many people felt that he should return to the traditional seat of the papacy. Catherine's mission was successful, and the pope returned to Rome in 1377.

Catherine continued to play an important role in the political and religious affairs of her time. She corresponded with many of the most important figures of the day, including the emperor Charles IV and the king of France. She also worked to promote peace and unity within the Church.

Catherine died in Rome in 1380 at the age of 33. She was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461, and she is one of the patron saints of Italy and Europe.

Catherine of Siena was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy on the Church and the world. She was a mystic, a visionary, and a Doctor of the Church. She was also a woman of great courage and determination. Catherine's story is an inspiration to all who seek to follow in her footsteps.

Catherine of Siena's Legacy

Catherine of Siena's legacy is vast and multifaceted. She is remembered as a mystic, a visionary, a Doctor of the Church, and a patron saint of Italy and Europe. Her writings and teachings continue to inspire people to this day.

Catherine's mystical experiences were profound and transformative. She had visions of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints. She also received messages from God, which she recorded in her book, The Dialogue of Divine Providence. Catherine's mystical experiences gave her a deep understanding of God's love and mercy.

Catherine was also a visionary. She had a vision of the future of the Church, and she worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity within the Church. She corresponded with many of the most important figures of her day, including the emperor Charles IV and the king of France. Catherine's vision for the Church was one of unity and reform.

Catherine was a Doctor of the Church. She was a brilliant theologian and her writings have had a profound impact on the Church's teaching. Catherine's writings are full of insights into the nature of God, the human soul, and the path to salvation.

Catherine is a patron saint of Italy and Europe. She is invoked by people who are seeking peace, unity, and justice. Catherine's intercession is also sought by people who are suffering from illness or who are facing difficult challenges.

Catherine of Siena was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy on the Church and the world. She is a model of holiness and a source of inspiration for all who seek to follow in her footsteps.

Catherine of Siena

by Sigrid Undset

4.7 out of 5