The wonderful Caterina Benincasa, born into that wild, corrupt, belligerent fourteenth century Italian city-state called Sienna, has her feast day April 29th.
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| Tomb of Saint Catherine in Rome |
She spoke fearlessly to those in power, to the wealthy, the clergy, to anyone who would listen. She moved the hearts of popes, brought reconciliation to warring factions, served the poor and the sick, and left testimony to her experiences of the mysterious embrace of Christ the Bridegroom of her soul. His love burned through her and made her 33 years of life an unforgettable fire whose embers still glow, warming us and giving us hope even today.
She was a vital presence for me when I lived in Rome, from her repose under the main altar at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and out into the church piazza, into the streets, into the air. Catherine, from Sienna, from the Tuscan hills she came to be the friend of the bishop and the people of Rome for nearly 700 years.
She held the fires of divine love in her heart and in her hands, and helped us to draw near to Him, this humble woman, this familiar friend, who still looks after me even when I forget to ask her. She knows the “mad hope” that cries out to God from my own heart. She knows my long and often obscure journey of hope, the journey of my life, of my vocation. She reminds me of the Light and Love of the One who draws me to my destiny.
It is a joy to encounter Saint Catherine of Sienna in the liturgy during this Easter Season, the continuing celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus who transformed her whole existence. She witnesses to the Risen Jesus who is working through the Holy Spirit to change us, and who invites every person to the embrace of the Mystery who has created them to share in His infinite fulfillment, His glory which is the Happiness that every heart desires.
~Saint Catherine of Siena