Caterina Benincasa was born on March 25, 1347 in Siena, Italy. In 1363, she joined the Sisters of Penitence and there she became known for her holiness. She died on April 29, 1380, and was canonized as a saint in 1461. (Saints.sqpn.com). Many years prior to her death, she was declared a doctor of the church in 1970. In addition to that, she is one of the few patron saints of Italy. (Britannica.com). “Catherine truly lived St. Paul’s words, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Ncregister.com). The reason I chose St Catherine of Siena is due to the fact that I knew nothing about her. When researching which saint to choose, I saw her name and decided to read about her. As I learned more and more, I realized that she had
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As a child, she had a vision of Christ in majesty. As a teenager, she took a vow of virginity. She then made the decision to become a Dominican tertiary at the young age of 16. (Womenpriests.org). Around 1368 she had a vision in which Christ spoke to her. After this, she devoted her life to prayer and works of charity, specializing in those benefiting the sick. Years afterwards, she was quoted saying, “My life is consumed and distilled into this sweet Spouse, so that I in this way accomplish what the martyrs did with their blood.” (History Today Volume: 61 Issue: 4.). In addition to her visions, Catherine received the stigmata in 1375. The stigma was five wounds located in her feet, hands, and heart.(Marypages.com). However, she prayed that they would not be visible until after her death, because she did not want to draw attention to herself. (Biography of St. Catherine of …show more content…
The reason she is the patron saint of firefighters is because during her ecstasies, she sometimes fell into fires; however, her clothes and skin were never damaged by the fires. (St-catherine-medal.com). During the time of the Black Plague, she was quick to care for those affected, working as a nurse. Not only did she dig graves for those who died, but she also waited with prisoners who were condemned to death and prayed for them until they passed.
As a child, she had a vision of Christ in majesty. As a teenager, she took a vow of virginity. She then made the decision to become a Dominican tertiary at the young age of 16. (Womenpriests.org). Around 1368 she had a vision in which Christ spoke to her. After this, she devoted her life to prayer and works of charity, specializing in those benefiting the sick. Years afterwards, she was quoted saying, “My life is consumed and distilled into this sweet Spouse, so that I in this way accomplish what the martyrs did with their blood.” (History Today Volume: 61 Issue: 4.). In addition to her visions, Catherine received the stigmata in 1375. The stigma was five wounds located in her feet, hands, and heart.(Marypages.com). However, she prayed that they would not be visible until after her death, because she did not want to draw attention to herself. (Biography of St. Catherine of …show more content…
The reason she is the patron saint of firefighters is because during her ecstasies, she sometimes fell into fires; however, her clothes and skin were never damaged by the fires. (St-catherine-medal.com). During the time of the Black Plague, she was quick to care for those affected, working as a nurse. Not only did she dig graves for those who died, but she also waited with prisoners who were condemned to death and prayed for them until they passed.