St. Catherine of Bologna
St. Catherine was born on September 8, 1413 and was given the name Catherine de’ Virgi. St. Catherine was a Nun and also an artist. Growing up St. Catherine was given the chance to have a great education and she learned how to write, draw, sing, read and learned other things. St. Catherine was said to be an extremely talented and gifted painter. At the age of 13, St. Catherine felt called to live a life of full devotion to God, and she joined the monastery of Corpus Domini in Ferrara, Italy where she became a Franciscan tertiary. St. Catherine wanted to live a life of complete devotion to God. St. Catherine thirsted to achieve spiritual perfection in her life, and she was said to be very holy and humble.
Later in St. Catherine’s life around the year 1432, St. Catherine founded a monastery of the order of Poor Clares with the help from other ladies from Ferrara, Italy. St. Catherine was always open and willing to serve others and animals before herself. She would serve as a caretaker, baker and healer for the animals.
In the year 1456, St. Catherine went all the way to Bologna, Italy. When in Bologna, Italy the government asked her to create a second monastery and be the Abbess of the convent.
St. Catherine created many lovely poems and spiritual artworks. The painting that St. Catherine did of St. Ursula is on display in an art gallery in Venice, Italy. During her life, St. Catherine had visions of both Satan and Jesus which she recorded in her treatise. During one of the events she had, Mary placed baby Jesus in her arms. Later in her life during the Lenten season, St. Catherine became extremely sick and passed away on March 9th.
St. Catherine was buried without a coffin and her body ended up being dug out 18 days after she was buried because of the many miracles that had occurred through her intercession. It is also mentioned that a beautiful strong scent came from her grave. When they removed her body they discovered that it was incorrupt and it still is intact till this very day. St. Catherine may be seen sitting on a golden throne in the chapel of the Poor Clares in Bologna. Her skin has changed because of oil lamps and soot.
St. Catherine was a very humble person and her charity, love, generosity, mercy and understanding is what lead many people to follow her lead on their journey to Christian perfection. St. Catherine is the patron saint against all temptations, through her battle with temptations she shows each and everyone of us the importance of keeping our thoughts pure and staying close to Christ through prayer. Her feast day is celebrated on March 9th.
Prayer to St. Catherine of Bologna
St. Catherine of Bologna intercede that we may have the strength and perseverance to overcome all the temptations that we encounter during our daily lives. Help us to find strength through prayer to defeat the snares of the devil. Guide us on our journey to perfection and place your mantel of protection over us so that we may keep a strong and healthy relationship with Christ. Help us to thirst to know Christ better each and everyday. We ask that you may help us to seek to be more intimate with the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus so we may be united with you in heaven one day.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord and Mary Our Mother in Heaven. Amen
Works cited:
Information (read from, not taken):
Catholic Online. “St. Catherine of Bologna.” Saints and Angels. 2021. St. Catherine of Bologna - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online. Accessed 9 March 2021.
Images:
Regina Magazine. St. Catherine of Bologna, Abbess. March 9, 2021.
St. Catherine of Bologna Parish. March 9, 2021.
St. Catherine of Bologna Parish. March 9, 2021.
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