Inbox Inspiration: June 19, 2019: Saint Catherine of Siena

June 19, 2019

Saint Catherine of Siena

Dear Friends, 
Catherine was born in 1347 in the small Tuscan town of Siena.
From an early age, she sought to follow the way of Christ as fully as possible.
While never becoming a professed religious or living in a religious community, she was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic.
In effect, she lived as a secular Dominican.
I would say that Catherine was hundreds of years ahead of her times.
In a very patriarchal Church and culture, she was an influential spiritual leader.
A group of followers gathered around her – priests, religious, and lay.
She gave them spiritual instruction and led them in caring for the sick and the poor.
Catherine even got the respect of Popes.
She lived in the time of the Western Schism when Christianity was divided between two and then three claimants to the Papacy.
Catherine travelled to Avignon in France to persuade the Pope to return to Rome.
She spent the last two years of her life in Rome, working to restore peace and unity to the Church.
Catherine died in 1380.
Besides being canonized as a saint, she has been honored with the title of Doctor of the Church – one of only four women with that title.
This is in recognition of her keen spiritual insight and wisdom.
Perhaps women especially can turn to Catherine for inspiration in using their God-given gifts, even in situations where patriarchal ways continue.
Catherine of Siena’s feast day is April 29 in our Catholic calendar.

“Eternal God, eternal Trinity…You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more. When you fill my soul I have an even greater hunger, and I grow more famished for your light. I desire above all to see you, the true light, as you really are.”
From The Dialogue on Divine Providence by Saint Catherine of Siena.
 “All you holy men and women, Saints of God, pray for us.” 
Father Michael Schleupner