4 Lessons We Can Learn From the Life of Saint Catherine of Siena

I was named after two extraordinary women: my aunt Janet and Saint Catherine of Siena. I know my aunt to be a devoted wife, talented chef and seamstress, and someone who exemplifies beauty in her home. I know Saint Catherine to be a devoted spouse of Jesus, dedicated servant of the poor and sick, and someone who displayed a feminine strength that was grounded in her identity in Christ.

While one woman taught me by practical, tangible example, the other has modeled for me an authentic spiritual life.

Whether practical or spiritual, women have a great calling to bring beauty and goodness that ultimately point to the truth of Jesus Christ into this world. It is our feminine genius—our inherent gift to our communities, the Church, and the world.

But sadly, a woman’s purpose is often confused, and in many instances, it is being rewritten or erased altogether. That is why we women need mentors who bring us closer to authentic womanhood.

Because in this day and age, now more than ever, we need to remember, return to, and reconnect with true womanhood and femininity, in order to flourish in the very essence of who God created us to be.

My aunt and Saint Catherine are two of my mentors. Who are yours?

If you need someone to look up to, especially in the spiritual realm, may I introduce you to Saint Catherine of Siena?

Especially on her feast day, it seems fitting to get to know Saint Catherine and discover how she is a role model of Catholic womanhood for our times. Woven throughout her life story are four lessons we can learn from this Doctor of the Church.

The Early Years

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” // Saint Catherine of Siena

Catherine was born in Siena, Italy, on March 25, 1347. She was the youngest of twenty-five children, although half of her siblings did not survive childhood.

From an early age, Catherine was a joyful, pious child, sensitive to the things of Heaven. When she was six, Catherine received her first vision of Jesus seated in glory. He was surrounded by Saints Peter, Paul, and John, and from His throne, He silently blessed her. Throughout her childhood, she remained focused on the Lord by building a monastic cell inside her mind, where she spent much time in prayer.

She loved our Lord completely, and she knew His love for her. She is known for saying, , “We are of such value to God that He came to live among us [ . . . ] and to guide us home. He will go to any length to seek us, even to being lifted up high on the cross to draw us back to Himself. We can only respond by loving God for His love.”

Catherine had great devotion to her family. She viewed her father as a representation of Jesus, her mother as our Lady, and her siblings as the apostles. This helped her serve her family with love and humility.

When Catherine was sixteen, her sister Bonaventura died. Catherine’s parents suggested that her brother-in-law marry Catherine, but Catherine opposed this idea. She began fasting, and she cut her hair short to taint her appearance. This persuaded her parents, and she was not forced to marry.

Spiritual Life Leads to Public Life

Lesson #2: Our work grows out of our prayer.

“You are rewarded not according to your work or your time, but according to the measure of your love.” // Saint Catherine of Siena, Dialogue 165

While Catherine remained deeply religious, she was not called to enter religious life. At the age of eighteen, she joined the Mantellate, lay branch of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. This allowed her to live a life of prayer at home, while also associating with a religious order. The Mantellate taught Catherine how to read and write.

In 1368, when Catherine was twenty-one years old, she experienced a mystical marriage to Christ and claimed to receive an invisible wedding ring from Him. At the same time, a more public apostolate grew out of her contemplative life. She became well-known for her holiness and compassion, and many people sought her spiritual advice. At this time, Catherine also began visiting the sick and poor.

As Catherine became known as a santa donna, or holy woman, her renown led her to become involved in politics. She traveled throughout Italy, promoting peace and repentance in a time of civil and religious unrest.

Truth Flows From Goodness

Lesson #3: As disciples of Jesus, we are called to speak Truth in our corner of the world. No advanced degree required.

“Preach the Truth as if you had a million voices. It is silence that kills the world.” // Saint Catherine of Siena

Catherine grew in courage to speak truth, even to those in authority. For example, she encouraged Cardinal Pietro of Ostia, Italy, “to be occupied with nothing but loving God, saving souls, and serving the sweet spouse of Christ.”

Catherine even corresponded at great length with Pope Gregory XI. And she helped influence him to return to Rome, ending seventy years of the papacy reigning from Avignon, France. His death was followed by the Great Schism, and as a result, Catherine traveled to Rome, where she urged princes and cardinals to promote obedience to Pope Urban VI.

While the corruption in the Catholic Church during her lifetime caused Catherine great distress, she loved the Lord so much that she could never abandon His Church. And while it was unusual for women in her time to have such public influence, Catherine demonstrates that when we remain women of deep prayer and are confident in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can truly be who God created us to be.

Set the World on Fire

Lesson #4: The Lord desires the Church to transform the world, not the other way around.

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” // Saint Catherine of Siena

Catherine composed more than 400 letters and prayers. She is most known for The Dialogue, which is described as a series of her conversations with God. While deeply personal, the truths contained in The Dialogue are universal in nature, allowing anyone to benefit from them.

In 1375, Catherine received the stigmata, although like her mystical wedding ring, it was only visible to her. Five years later, at the age of thirty-three, she became ill, most likely due to rigorous fasting. Catherine died on April 29, following a stroke. Her last words echoed the words of her Lord from the Cross: “Father, into Your hands, I commend my soul and my spirit.” Pope Urban VI celebrated her funeral at the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.

Catherine was canonized in 1461. She is regarded as one of the greatest mystics and spiritual writers in Catholic history. Because of her spiritual work, The Dialogue, she was elevated to being named a Doctor of the Church.

Saint Catherine’s feast day is April 29. She is the patroness of fire prevention, illness, Italy, Europe, miscarriages, people ridiculed for their faith, sexual temptation, and nurses.

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Check out our Saint Story on Saint Catherine of Siena!

About Sarah Damm

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Sarah Damm is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a Catholic wife and mother of six children, living in Minnesota. She spends her days running errands, helping with homework, and keeping up with laundry and the family schedule. Sarah loves her faith, coffee, and good books. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Sarah's posts here.