Saint Catherine was born in Siena, Italy, in 1347, as the Black Death was devastating Afro-Eurasia. She was the twenty-fifth child in her family, though only about half of her siblings survived childhood.

From an early age, Catherine desired not marriage but a life devoted entirely to God. At eighteen she became a Third Order Dominican and spent three years in prayer and seclusion. Yet her contemplation did not turn her inward forever. When she sensed God calling her to serve more directly, she stepped into the suffering world—visiting the poor and the sick in their homes and in hospitals. Others were drawn to her faith and joined her mission of care.

Soon Catherine found herself involved in the turbulent religious struggles of her day. The Great Schism divided Christendom between rival popes. She traveled widely, urging reform within the Church and calling people to wholehearted love of God. Her influence with Pope Gregory XI contributed to his decision to leave Avignon and return the papacy to Rome. Remarkably for a woman of her time, she was later entrusted with diplomatic missions, helping negotiate peace between Italian city-states.

Catherine’s influence extended far beyond her travels. She composed more than 400 letters, along with her Dialogue—conversations she recorded between herself and God—and numerous prayers. These writings were so significant that she was named a Doctor of the Church. Her letters, among the masterpieces of early Italian literature, were addressed not only to friends and followers but also to popes, royalty, and prominent religious leaders. Over time, her correspondence increasingly urged peace and reform within the Church. Twenty-six of her prayers survive, most written in the final eighteen months of her life.

Catherine remains a model of deep union with Christ, courageous truth-telling, and tireless work for unity. Perhaps, especially for catechists, her most practical example is to write—to compose prayers, to encourage others through letters, and to keep a faithful record of one’s journey with God.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• Do you keep a journal of your faith/life experiences, your conversations with God? Might you begin to keep a journal of the God-moments in your catechetical ministry?

• Take time throughout the year to snail-mail a letter to each of your learners, affirming them, reminding them of God’s unique care for them in their interests and needs.

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/