The Shepherdess of Siena: The Extraordinary Life of Saint Catherine of Siena

Catherine of Siena, known as the Shepherdess of Siena, was a Dominican tertiary, mystic, and one of the most influential figures in the Catholic Church. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and social justice.

Catherine was born in Siena, Italy, in 1347. She was the youngest of 25 children, and from a young age, she displayed a deep devotion to God. At the age of five, she had a vision of Christ, and she began to receive mystical experiences throughout her life.

The Shepherdess of Siena: A Novel of Renaissance Tuscany

by Linda Lafferty

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	38 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.09 x 11 inches
File size	:	1239 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	578 pages

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In 1363, Catherine joined the Dominican Order as a tertiary. Tertiaries were lay people who lived according to the Dominican rule but did not live in a monastery or convent. Catherine spent the rest of her life living a simple life of prayer and service.

Catherine was a powerful advocate for peace and social justice. She traveled throughout Italy, preaching to large crowds and calling for an end to war and violence. She also worked to help the poor and sick, and she founded several hospitals and orphanages.

In 1376, Catherine was sent to Avignon, France, by the Pope to help mediate a peace treaty between the Pope and the Italian city-states. Catherine's mission was successful, and she was able to help bring about a period of peace in Italy.

Catherine died in Rome in 1380 at the age of 33. She was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461, and she is now one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church.

Early Life

Catherine of Siena was born on March 25, 1347, in Siena, Italy. She was the youngest of 25 children born to Giacomo di Benincasa and Lapa Piagenti. Her father was a successful wool dyer, and her mother was a devout Catholic.

From a young age, Catherine displayed a deep devotion to God. She would often spend hours in prayer, and she would have visions of Christ and other saints. At the age of five, she had a vision of Christ, who gave her a ring as a sign of her betrothal to him.

Catherine's parents were not very supportive of her religious devotion. They wanted her to marry and have children, but Catherine refused. She wanted to dedicate her life to God.

In 1363, at the age of 16, Catherine joined the Dominican Order as a tertiary. Tertiaries were lay people who lived according to the Dominican rule but did not live in a monastery or convent. Catherine lived with her family but spent most of her time in prayer and service.

Mystical Experiences

Throughout her life, Catherine had many mystical experiences. She would often see visions of Christ and other saints. She would also experience ecstasies, during which she would be transported into a state of union with God.

Catherine's mystical experiences were often accompanied by physical manifestations. She would often levitate during prayer, and she would sometimes receive the stigmata, the wounds of Christ.

Catherine's mystical experiences were a source of great comfort to her. They helped her to deepen her relationship with God and to strengthen her faith.

Preaching and Advocacy

Catherine of Siena was a powerful advocate for peace and social justice. She traveled throughout Italy, preaching to large crowds and calling for an end to war and violence. She also worked to help the poor and sick, and she founded several hospitals and orphanages.

Catherine's preaching was often controversial. She spoke out against the corruption of the clergy and the violence of the Italian city-states. She also called for the reform of the Church.

Catherine's preaching was effective, however, and she was able to help bring about a period of peace in Italy. She also helped to found several hospitals and orphanages, and she worked to improve the lives of the poor and sick.

Diplomatic Mission to Avignon

In 1376, Catherine was sent to Avignon, France, by the Pope to help mediate a peace treaty between the Pope and the Italian city-states. Catherine's mission was successful, and she was able to help bring about a period of peace in Italy.

Catherine's diplomatic mission was a major turning point in her life. It showed that she was not only a holy woman but also a skilled diplomat. She was able to use her influence to help bring about peace and reconciliation in Italy.

Death and Legacy

Catherine of Siena died in Rome on April 29, 1380, at the age of 33. She had been suffering from a variety of illnesses, including tuberculosis and a stroke.

Catherine was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461, and she is now one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. She is the patron saint of Italy, Siena, and Europe.

Catherine's legacy is one of faith, resilience, and social justice. She was a powerful advocate for peace and reconciliation, and she worked tirelessly to help the poor and sick. Catherine's life is an inspiration to us all, and her message of hope and love continues to resonate today.

The Shepherdess of Siena: A Novel of Renaissance Tuscany

by Linda Lafferty

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	38 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.09 x 11 inches
File size	:	1239 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	578 pages

FREE