Catherine Benincasa was born in Italy in 1347 during the outbreak of the plague in Siena. Eleven of her 23 siblings died in childhood, including her twin sister. Her sanctity was obvious by the age of five, and she had her first vision of Jesus at the age of six. She rejected arranged marriages and instead became a Dominican tertiary at 15. She continued to have mystical visions and ecstasies that lasted for days, experienced the marks of the stigmata, tended the sick, performed miracles, was an activist in secular and Church politics, and advised two popes. In her last years, she never slept and ate only the Eucharist. She died at the age of 33.
CHALLENGE
The many written works of St. Catherine of Siena earned her the title of Doctor of the Church, and each of them shares one thing in common: boldness. St. Catherine boldly loved Jesus, boldly lived her faith, and boldly encouraged others to do the same. She said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Prayerfully consider who God meant you to be. How can you set the world on fire with love for Jesus?
Forwarded this email? Don’t miss tomorrow! Sign up today and get The Saint Challenge delivered to your inbox!
Have you checked out the Saint In Progress podcast?
The weekly show delves into issues of faith that everyone deals with on their journey home to the Father’s house.
