Siena Musings
Saint Catherine of Siena is one of my patron saints. My middle name is Kathleen, and my mother (a member of the Third Order Dominicans) told me it was for St. Catherine of Siena. ;)
I had visited her tomb in Rome back in 2004, but it was wonderful to visit her own city in 2023. When one walks the streets through which saints walked, it’s easy to connect with them. That’s why I’m writing a new book tentatively titled “Paths to His Heart: Traveling with the Saints”. It’s difficult to narrow down which saints to write about because every saint can teach us multiple lessons.
As I was writing Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints, I was only able to mention Catherine here and there. But I think she’s going to get a whole chapter in my new book. There are so many virtues this great woman can teach us through her story and “visiting” her - either by going to Siena or just reading about her. For a short readable biography about her, check out Saint Catherine of Siena by Mother F.A. Forbes. Using that link, you can use the code ROSEMARY30 for a 30% discount.
Did you know that she didn’t even know how to read? Our Lord, however, always gives us what we need for what He wants us to do. Catherine was illiterate, but God eventually taught her to read and write so she could help others. She was chosen by God to write and speak to the popes of her time, giving them sage advice from God about leaving Avignon and returning to Rome, and about handling the Great Schism of her time.
For a deep dive into her life, check out The Life of St. Catherine of Siena by her spiritual director.
I love learning stories of the Saints in which they start out weak and flawed but reach great heights. The bottom line is that they always put themselves into God’s Hands and open their hearts to His Plan. Often His Plan was not what they had thought, but His Will was always perfect.
St. Ignatius says that when we are faced with a decision, we should try to detach ourselves from either outcome. If it’s God’s Will that I get the job, then I’m glad. If it’s God’s Will that I don’t get the job, I’m happy too. Always, God’s Will is my goal. We learn this from all the Saints, but especially from the life of St. Catherine of Siena, the illiterate youngest daughter of a textile dyer who lived only 33 years, but who became the spiritual mother to many and the adviser to the popes.
Quick little update: I’ve begun writing at Catholic365.com: 'Tis the Month of Our Mother and I hope that you will subscribe to my mailing list at my website (if you aren’t already on there) to get a monthly update on where I’ve been speaking and writing: Get a free Handout on Ireland!