Saint Catherine of Genoa
memorial
15 September
Our saint today was born about the year 1477 in Genoa to well connected parents, her father was the viceroy of Naples.
In a political ploy to establish family ties, at the age of only sixteen, Catherine was married off by her parents to a young Genoese nobleman. The new husband proved to be immature, faithless, violent-tempered, and a spendthrift to boot. He made the life of Our Saint a total disaster.
Catherine spent years in prayer for relief from her misery. Or at least to be sick so she can remain in bed constantly. Vomiting and diarrhea are likely cures for most amorous advances. In 1473, Catherine had her first mystical experience, and it was a doozy, let’s face it. It was no more and no less than the revelation of God‘s love and her own sinfulness.
She returned home, and passed this on in a convincing way to her wayward husband. This time Catherine was very firm and filled with the inspiration and strength of the Holy Spirit. Her husband had no idea what to do! So, he came back to the faith, and the two lived together chastely the rest of their lives, working with the sick and poor till the husband’s death. Catherine continued to experience remarkable mental and at times almost pathological mystic episodes.
For about twenty-five years, towards the end of her life, St. Catherine, met with a priest who became her spiritual guide; he took copious notes of their encounters and conversations. She died 15 September 1510.
41 years after her death, the notes this priest, Father Marabotti, took were turned into a book about her life and teaching called Libro de la vita mirabile et dottrina santa de la Beata Caterinetta de Genoa. In this tome on her Life and Holy Teachings there are two parts often published separately: "Dialogues on the Soul and the Body" and her "Treatise on Purgatory.” Her writings inspired other religious leaders they are quite insightful, speaking of God’s infinite love for us. I highly recommend them. You might be able to find them for free on line.
Patronage:
Brides, Childless People, Difficult Marriages, Temptations, Victims Of Adultery, Victims Of Unfaithfulness, Widows
For about twenty-five years, towards the end of her life, St. Catherine, met with a priest who became her spiritual guide; he took copious notes of their encounters and conversations. She died 15 September 1510.
41 years after her death, the notes this priest, Father Marabotti, took were turned into a book about her life and teaching called Libro de la vita mirabile et dottrina santa de la Beata Caterinetta de Genoa. In this tome on her Life and Holy Teachings there are two parts often published separately: "Dialogues on the Soul and the Body" and her "Treatise on Purgatory.” Her writings inspired other religious leaders they are quite insightful, speaking of God’s infinite love for us. I highly recommend them. You might be able to find them for free on line.
Patronage:
Brides, Childless People, Difficult Marriages, Temptations, Victims Of Adultery, Victims Of Unfaithfulness, Widows
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