Catherine of James Benincasa, a humble woman of the people, holds a significant place in the history of Italian literature. Despite being "illiterate," she left behind approximately 375 letters, transcribed by disciples under dictation. Her life unfolds in two periods: one of hiding, from birth to her twentieth year, a period that can be said to be preparatory, and the other of outward activity, when she feels called by God. Having no peers among the women of the Middle Ages, Catherine rose to the rank of illuminated teacher, powerful writer, incomparable speaker, advisor to princes and pontiffs, and almost arbitrator of the destinies of the Church of her time.
Brief History of the Life of Saint Catherine of Siena
Born in 1347 in Siena, Catherine encountered pains and suffered all kinds of discomforts even from her own relatives. Consecrated to God from childhood, she was admitted in 1363 to the habit of the Mantellate or Third Order of Dominicans. In 1370, there were great ecstasies, the exchange of heart with Jesus, mystical death, and other wonderful gifts. In 1376, she went to Avignon and encouraged the Pope to return to Italy. Convinced by this small great woman, Pope Gregory XI left Avignon on September 13th. From 1377 to 1380, she tirelessly worked for peace and unity within the Church. She died at a very young age on April 29, 1380, after terrible moral and physical trials. She was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461. In 1939, Pius XII declared her Patroness of Italy along with St. Francis of Assisi. In 1970, Pope Paul VI included her in the catalog of Doctors of the Church.
The Sacred Head
In October 1383, Pope Urban VI granted permission to Blessed Raymond of Capua, then Master General of the Order, to bring a relic of Saint Catherine to Siena. Blessed Raymond of Capua refers to the relic of the head in Chapter 305 of the Legenda Maior. It is absolutely false to claim that the Dominicans secretly took possession of it. Blessed Raymond of Capua entrusted the Sacred Relic to two friars, Ambrogio.
