Way of the Fathers 5.26 St. Catherine of Siena: Mother of a Thousand Souls
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Jan 14, 2026 A lively portrait of a medieval mystic who counseled rulers, negotiated peace, and pressured the church during crisis. She combined hospital nursing and bold preaching with intense asceticism and mystical visions. Stories cover her political interventions, discipleship as a maternal figure, miraculous signs at death, and why she earned lasting recognition.
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Reformer Formed By Crisis
- St. Catherine of Siena exemplified reforming leadership arising from crisis in both Church and society.
- Her lifetime was dominated by the Black Death and the papacy's absence from Rome, shaping her mission.
Childhood Marked By Plague And Vision
- Born in 1347 during the arrival of the plague, Catherine lost many siblings and even a twin in infancy.
- She had early visions and at age seven committed herself to Christ as her bridegroom.
From Hermit To Mystical Bride
- Catherine lived like a hermit for years, confined to one room except for Mass and enduring visions and temptations.
- At 19 she experienced a mystical betrothal to Christ and received confidence to undertake public work.