Catherine of Siena

NAME Catherine Benincasa (later Saint Catherine of Siena)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Catherine of Siena was a Catholic mystic, theologian, and one of the most influential women in medieval Europe. She is renowned for her profound spiritual writings, her advocacy for Church reform, and her role in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from Avignon.  She is a Doctor of the Church.

BIRTH Catherine of Siena was born on March 25, 1347, in Siena, Italy.

FAMILY She was the 23rd of 25 children born to Giacomo di Benincasa, a prosperous cloth dyer, and Lapa Piagenti. Her family was well-off but not noble.

CHILDHOOD Catherine grew up in Siena during a time of great political and religious turmoil, including the Black Death, which devastated Europe. From an early age, Catherine was deeply religious and had visions of Christ. At the age of seven, she vowed to dedicate her life to God. She resisted her family's attempts to arrange a marriage for her and instead joined the Third Order of St. Dominic as a laywoman.

EDUCATION Though she had no formal schooling, Catherine was self-taught and developed a deep understanding of theology. She dictated letters and theological works to scribes, influencing religious and political leaders. Catherine learned to read and write later in life, primarily through her own efforts and with the help of others. Her intellectual development came through mystical experiences and contemplation.

CAREER RECORD Catherine never held any official positions of power. Her influence stemmed from her spiritual authority and her ability to articulate her visions and beliefs. She became a lay Dominican tertiary, dedicating her life to prayer, penance, and service to the poor and sick. 

Catherine devoted her life to prayer, charity, and political activism. She cared for the sick, mediated conflicts, and corresponded with popes and rulers. 

APPEARANCE Contemporary descriptions suggest that Catherine was of average height, with fair skin, dark hair and large, expressive eyes. She was considered plain-looking, but her inner beauty and charisma were said to be striking. Due to her extreme fasting, she became physically weak and frail in her later years.

St. Catherine of Siena, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

FASHION Catherine dressed simply, wearing a plain tunic and a veil as a sign of humility. She followed the Dominican habit, favoring white and black robes. She avoided jewelry and fine fabrics.

CHARACTER Catherine was known for her intelligence, charisma, and unwavering faith. She was deeply compassionate but also fearless in confronting corruption within the Church. Her writings reflect her strong will and mystical experiences.

SPEAKING VOICE Catherine was said to have a powerful and persuasive voice, capable of moving people to action. Though she spoke in the Tuscan dialect, her words carried great authority, even influencing popes and political leaders. Her letters reveal a powerful and articulate writing style, suggesting she possessed a similar eloquence in speech.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Catherine of Siena demonstrated a light-hearted and affectionate approach toward those she guided spiritually. Her ability to bring comfort and encouragement suggests she had a gentle, uplifting presence rather than a sharp wit.

RELATIONSHIPS Catherine maintained close relationships with her family, particularly her mother.  She also fostered strong spiritual bonds with her followers and correspondents.  

Catherine never married but formed strong spiritual relationships with many followers, including her devoted disciples known as the "Caterinati." She also built deep connections with religious and political leaders, writing letters to popes, cardinals, and rulers. Her closest companion was Raymond of Capua, her confessor and biographer.

She had a deep love for God and Christ, which permeated all her relationships.According to Raymond of Capua, Catherine of Siena experienced a "Mystical Marriage" with Jesus in 1368 at the age of 21. This vision marked a significant turning point in her spiritual life. During this mystical experience, Catherine described being presented to Christ by the Virgin Mary, who placed her hand in His. Jesus then gave her a ring, visible only to her, as a symbol of their union. He declared her His bride in faith and charged her to act courageously in fulfilling the divine mission entrusted to her.

This event symbolized Catherine's complete consecration to Christ and reinforced her role as His spiritual spouse. It also marked the end of her secluded life and the beginning of her public ministry, where she worked actively for Church reform and unity, guided by her profound mystical experience.

Giovanni di Paolo, The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Siena

MONEY AND FAME Catherine lived in voluntary poverty, rejecting material wealth in favor of service to others. Despite her lack of interest in worldly possessions, she became famous across Europe for her wisdom, visions, and influence in Church affairs. Many sought her counsel, including Pope Gregory XI.

FOOD AND DRINK Catherine practiced extreme fasting, often consuming only the Eucharist for sustenance. She rejected rich foods and is said to have lived for long periods on little more than water and herbs. Her severe self-denial led to serious health issues later in life.

MUSIC AND ARTS Catherine lived in Siena, a city known for its artistic heritage. The religious imagery in her writings reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty of divine inspiration, which was often expressed through medieval art and iconography.

LITERATURE Catherine was an avid writer despite being largely self-taught. Her works fall into three main categories:

1. The Dialogue of Divine Providence This is Catherine's most famous work, often referred to simply as The Dialogue. Written between 1377 and 1378, much of it was dictated while she was in a state of ecstasy. It takes the form of a conversation between God (the Eternal Father) and a soul (Catherine herself), addressing themes such as virtue, prayer, obedience, and divine love. The book uses allegories and metaphors to explore the spiritual life and emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues and unity with God.

Libro della divina dottrina (commonly known as The Dialogue of Divine Providence), c. 1475

2. Letters Catherine wrote 382 letters, which are considered masterpieces of early Tuscan literature. These letters were addressed to a wide range of individuals, including popes, kings, queens, soldiers, prisoners, and religious figures. They reflect her humility, fervent spirituality, and directness. She used them to encourage repentance, reform, and devotion to God. Notable correspondents include Pope Gregory XI (whom she urged to return the papacy to Rome), Raymond of Capua (her confessor), and various political leaders.

3. Prayers Twenty-six prayers composed by Catherine survive today. These prayers were mostly written during the last 18 months of her life and reflect her deep mystical union with God. They are characterized by their intensity and focus on divine love

NATURE Catherine appreciated nature as a reflection of God's creation. Her writings often use natural imagery, such as fire and water, to illustrate spiritual concepts.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Catherine did not engage in traditional hobbies or sports, as her time was dedicated to prayer, charity, and spiritual leadership. However, she was known for her tireless physical work in caring for the sick and poor, which required great endurance.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Catherine's writings reflect a keen intellect and a structured way of thinking. She approached theology with a logical progression of ideas, often using metaphors and analogies to explain complex spiritual concepts.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Catherine of Siena’s philosophy was deeply rooted in Catholic mysticism and the idea of divine love. She believed in complete devotion to God, self-denial, and the power of prayer to transform both individuals and society. Her theological writings, particularly The Dialogue, emphasize the importance of suffering, humility, and obedience to God's will. She also promoted the unity of the Church, urging leaders to act with righteousness and faith.

According to her biographer, Raymond of Capua, Catherine received the stigmata in 1375 while praying in the Church of Santa Cristina in Pisa. During this vision, she saw blood-red rays emanating from a crucifix, which pierced her hands, feet, and side with the marks of Christ's wounds. However, out of humility, Catherine prayed that these marks remain invisible during her lifetime, and her prayer was granted. The stigmata became visible only after her death. 

Domenico Beccafumi, St. Catherine of Siena Receiving the Stigmata, c. 1513–1515 Richard Stracke

POLITICS Catherine played a significant role in the political and religious affairs of her time. She actively wrote to and advised Pope Gregory XI, convincing him to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome in 1377. She also worked to mediate conflicts among Italian city-states and sought peace within the Church. Her involvement in resolving the Great Schism of 1378 further demonstrates her influence in ecclesiastical politics.

SCANDAL Though widely respected, Catherine’s extreme piety and mystical visions were met with skepticism by some. Her close relationships with male followers, including her confessor Raymond of Capua, led to criticism, though there is no evidence of impropriety. Her influence over political and religious leaders also drew suspicion, as some viewed her as an uneducated woman overstepping societal norms.

MILITARY RECORD Catherine  engaged in diplomacy during conflicts. She attempted to mediate peace during the struggles between warring Italian city-states and the papal forces. She also wrote letters to military leaders, urging them to fight for justice and the defense of the Church.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Catherine practiced severe fasting and asceticism, which took a toll on her health. She frequently weakened herself through extreme self-denial, often surviving only on the Eucharist. Her frail physical state led to frequent illnesses, and she ultimately suffered from paralysis in her later years.

HOMES Catherine of Siena lived in Siena, Italy, primarily in her family home which has since been transformed into a sanctuary. She was born on March 25, 1347, in a house located in the Fontebranda area of Siena, in the territory of the Contrada dell'Oca. This area was known for wool production, and her father, Jacopo Benincasa, a cloth dyer, rented the three-storey building as both a warehouse for dyeing cloth and a home for his large family..

Despite joining the Third Order of St. Dominic, Catherine did not enter a convent but continued to live at home1. The house where she grew up still exists and has been preserved as part of the Sanctuary of St. Catherine. In 1466, shortly after Catherine's canonization, the Municipality of Siena purchased the house to keep it open for public veneration

Today, the Sanctuary-House of Saint Catherine is a unified architectural complex integrated into Siena's urban fabric. It lies between the church of San Domenico and Fontebranda, one of the ancient fountains that supplied water to the medieval city. The complex has been expanded and embellished over the centuries to accommodate pilgrims and tourists, while still preserving the essence of Catherine's original home.

The house of Saint Catherine in Siena By Gryffindor

TRAVEL Unlike many women of her time, Catherine traveled extensively for religious and diplomatic missions. She visited Avignon to meet Pope Gregory XI, journeyed across Italy to negotiate peace among warring factions, and ultimately settled in Rome.

DEATH Catherine of Siena died on April 29, 1380, in Rome at the age of 33, likely due to exhaustion from her extreme fasting and ascetic practices . Her funeral was celebrated by Pope Urban VI, reflecting her significant influence within the Church. She was initially buried in the cemetery of the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.

Catherine's remains were later moved inside the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, where they are preserved under the main altar in a marble tomb. This tomb was restored between 1999 and 2000.

Catherine's head and thumb were separated from her body. Her head is enshrined in a gilt bronze bust in the Basilica of San Domenico in Siena, where it is venerated. Other relics, including a finger and parts of her shoulder blade, are distributed among various locations, such as Venice and Siena.

She was canonized as a saint in 1461 and later named a Doctor of the Church in 1970.

Catherine of Siena's veneration grew quickly after her death.  She was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461, and later declared a patron saint of Rome (1866, Pope Pius IX), Italy (1939, Pope Pius XII, alongside Francis of Assisi), and Europe (1999, Pope John Paul II).  Pope Paul VI named her a Doctor of the Church on October 4, 1970, making her only the second woman to receive this honor (after Teresa of Ávila).

Catherine's burial site and relics have become important pilgrimage destinations, reflecting her lasting legacy as a saint, mystic, and Doctor of the Church.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Catherine has been depicted in various religious artworks, books, and films. 

Catherine is frequently depicted in religious paintings, sculptures, and stained glass, often shown in a Dominican habit with a lily (symbolizing purity), a book (representing her writings), and a crown of thorns (reflecting her devotion to Christ’s suffering). Famous artworks include frescoes by Giovanni di Paolo and Andrea Vanni, which emphasize her mysticism and piety.

Many biographies have been written about her, including The Life of Saint Catherine of Siena by Raymond of Capua, her confessor and close associate. Modern books, such as Sigrid Undset’s Catherine of Siena and Suzanne Noffke’s translations of her letters, continue to make her story accessible.

The BBC documentary Divine Women (2012) highlights Catherine as one of the most influential female figures in Christianity.

EWTN’s Catherine of Siena: The Mystic explores her life, visions, and impact on the Church.

The Italian TV series I grandi della fede featured an episode about her life and legacy.

ACHIEVEMENTS Catherine of Siena is remembered as one of the most influential religious figures of the Middle Ages. Her achievements include:

Convincing Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome

Writing The Dialogue and nearly 400 letters that shaped Christian theology

Playing a role in resolving the Great Schism

Being canonized as a saint in 1461

Being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, one of the first women to receive this title

Source (1) Visit Siena