Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena

In the course of Christian history, some have made such tremendous theological or doctrinal contributions to the Church that they have earned the title “Doctor of the Church”. To date there are 35 Doctors of the Church, only 4 of whom are women. In the mid 14th century, St. Catherine of Siena was such a force of holiness and intellect that she stands as one of these four women.

Catherine joined the Sisters of Penitence of St. Dominic in Siena in 1363 and very quickly gained a reputation for her holiness and countless mystical experiences. In 1368 the “Great Schism” began – the period in which three different “popes” vied for absolute authority. Catherine was an important player in encouraging the pope to return to Rome from Avignon, realizing that it was the only way to bring peace to Italy. She spent the last two years of her life fasting and praying for the unification of the Church. She died at the very young age of 33.

Saint Catherine of Siena is the Patron Saint of Europe, Italy, nurses, the sick, and those ridiculed for their piety Invoked against fires, miscarriages, and temptations.

Join us at any one of our participating parishes in the ADW area for Mass on this Feast day. Please contact the parish directly to confirm Mass times and more detailed information.

Franciscan Media share with us an audio recording of the Story of the Saint Catherine of Siena

DAILY READING.  MORE INFORMATION.  parish and mass times finder