The fourth of eight children, Catherine of Sweden was born in 1331, and her mother was Bridget of Sweden. Even at a young age, Catherine had a love of prayer and God, and when she was seven she was sent to a convent for her education. At 13 she entered into an arranged marriage to a German noble. As soon as they were wed she convinced her pious husband to join her in a vow of perpetual chastity and a life of active charity. Soon after, she entered the religious community her mother founded and when she was 18 she traveled with her mother to Rome and the Holy Land. After her mother died, Catherine brought her body home for burial. She served as prioress, recorded many visions and mystical experiences in her diary, and wrote spiritual treatises including The Book of Divine Comfort.
CHALLENGE
St. Catherine of Sweden devoted herself to her mother and her mother’s works and imitated her asceticism. Today, call or visit your mother and tell her you love her. Then, if you’re married, call or visit your mother-in-law, tell her you love her as well, and thank her for your spouse. If for whatever reason you can’t call or visit your mother or mother-in-law, pray a Rosary for them.
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