St. Catherine of Siena

Meet St. Catherine

By Richard J. Barry IV, Associate Professor of Theology

St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) is a Doctor of the Church, a profound mystical theologian, and a beloved Dominican saint. Shortly after joining the third order of the Dominicans, Catherine spent three years in seclusion within her family home, where she enjoyed a life of deep contemplative prayer.

But at the age of 20, Catherine felt God calling her to emerge from her little room and to become active in the world. She reports that God said to her: “Remember that I have laid down two commandments of love: love of me and love of your neighbor… On two feet, you must walk my way. on two wings, you must fly to heaven. I shall be your guide in everything it will be your lot to do.” In other words, God was calling her to combine both deep prayer and activity in the world.

Following God’s call, Catherine was highly active and influential in 14th century Italian politics, where she acted as an ambassador and peacemaker who sought to bring reconciliation to warring families, cities, and factions. Even as her influence in the Church and in the world grew, she stayed rooted in deep prayer.

Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.

St. Catherine of siena