Saint Catherine of Siena is the Patron Saint of Italy. She was born Catherine Benincasa in Siena in 1347. At an early age she joined the Third Order of St. Dominic in which she gained a reputation for great sanctity. Recognizing her holiness and wisdom many followed her leadership in her devotion to the poor. She labored incessantly and with fiery zeal for the unity of the Church and was a devoted champion of the papacy.
She died in Rome in 1380 after a remarkable life, leaving a legacy of outstanding spiritual treatises. Saint Catherine was canonized in 1461; her feast occurs on April 29.
Youngest child in a large family. At the age of 6 she had a vision in which Jesus appeared and blessed her. Her parents wanted her to marry, but she became a Dominican tertiary. Mystic. Stigmatist. Received a vision in which she was in a mystical marriage with Christ, and the Infant Christ presented her with a wedding ring. Counselor to Pope Gregory XI and Pope Urban VI. Proclaimed Doctor of the Church on 4 October 1970.
Born 25 March 1347 at Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Died 29 April 1380 of a mysterious and painful illness that came on without notice, and was never properly diagnosed