May 19th - Siena

On our trip to Siena we spent some time in the basilica of San Domenico, a church that is extremely important to the life of St. Catherine. One of the female mystics we studied in class, Catherine of Siena is famous for her perseverance. St. Catherine had her first "mystical experience" at the age of six, and from that moment on decided that she would devote her life to Christ. But it wasn't an easy road for her. At 16, her elder sister passed away, and as the younger sister, Catherine was next in line to marry the widower. She refused, and over time was able to convince her father to let her go to a Dominican convent. It was here that Catherine claimed to have a "mystical marriage" with Jesus. This spiritual tie to Jesus led her to leave the convent and pursue a more public life, living with the poor as St. Claire of Assisi had done. St. Catherine perseverance and persistence also helped her greatly in the world of religious politics. She travelled through Northern and central Italy advocating reform of the clergy, as well as preaching a total love for God through helping those in need. In addition, she played a large role during the Papal Schism, adhering to the side of Pope Urban VI and advocating his legitimacy to the people. St. Catherine is a prime example of the Renaissance woman- she was strong, persistent and stubborn. She never gave up fighting for Pope Urban VI until the day she died, and she continued fighting for reform within the Church until that day, as well. But was the way she demonstrated her faith too radical? She would participate in extreme fasts as a way to bring herself closer to God. It has also been said that she would beat herself until she drew blood in order to sympathize with the sufferings of Jesus. In modern day, these habits would have been considered anorexia and self-mutilation- activities that warrant mental help. Yet, these practices would considered perfectly normal, even revered! It is interesting to note the differences between respected behaviours in the past versus our present times.

"St. Catherine"