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Catherine of Siena, a medieval Doctor of the Church, forged her own distinctive path as a mystic. Born in 14th century Siena, in present-day Italy, she experienced visions from a young age. Her experiences created in Catherine a determination to become an ascetic and live a pledged religious life.
Catherine was especially committed to the work of evangelism. Evangelizing as a women challenged the religious mores of the time. Initially, Catherine worried about this criticism. Turning toward prayer and contemplation to discern God’s calling, she heard God say, “Does it not depend on My will where I shall pour out my grace? With me there is no longer male or female, lower and upper classes, but all are equal in my sight.” Having received her answer, Catherine resolved to keep spreading the Good News.
Late in life, she taught herself to write so that she could record the content of her visions in a book called The Dialogue. While her reform efforts at the time were largely unsuccessful, the record of her experiences that Catherine left behind has inspired countless generations.
This message is excerpted from “’A force of nature’” by Laura Gifford in the March/April/May 2025 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Catherine of Siena, theologian, 1380.