St. Catherine of Siena

About the Author, Mystic, and Activist

By: Kelly Mass

Narrated by: Doug Greene

Catherine of Siena (who lived from March 25, in 1347 to April 29, in the year 1380), a Dominican laywoman, was a mystic, activist, and writer who impacted Italian literature and the Catholic Church significantly. She was canonized in 1461 and is a medical professional of the Church.

She was born and raised in Siena and, regardless of her parents' desires, desired dedicate her life to God from an early age. She ended up being a member of the "mantellate," a casual Dominican spirituality group of pious women, mainly widows. Pope Gregory XI's choice to leave Avignon for Rome was affected by her impact. He then dispatched her to Florence to organize a peace treaty.

She went back to Siena after Gregory XI's death and the peace agreement was signed. Her spiritual writings, The Discussion of Divine Providence, were determined to secretaries. Catherine of Siena accompanied the pope to Rome as a result of the Great Schism of the West. She wrote some letters to princes and cardinals, advising them to obey Pope Urban VI and protect the "vessel of the Church." She passed away on April 29th, 1380, tired from her stringent fasting. In Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Urban VI held her funeral service and burial.

Let’s explore the exceptional life of this catholic saint, who made a significant impact on the culture, the city, and the entire country at the time.

©2022 Kelly Mass (P)2022 Kelly Mass