Today, March 28, 2015, the Universal Church celebrates St. Catharine of Bologna, artist, prioress and warrior. She was born in Bologna, and was related to the nobility in Ferrara, wherein she received a classical and/or liberal education at court, which motivated her to exercise her talent in art, through painting.
When she was 17, she joined a religious entity of women in Ferrara, wherein subsequently all of these same women joined the Poor Clares. Catharine served as the baker and portress before she was selected to an administrative role as the novice mistress.
In 1456, Catharine and 15 other sisters were all sent to establish a Poor Clare monastery in Florence. At this juncture in her life, Catharine was appointed the abbess. She was known by her great holiness, and because of her incredible Christ-like example, many other women joined the monastery and/or the Poor Clares Order. Catharine found her closeness to God through prayer, charity to her sisters and to her neighbors and doing penance. Her life was like that of the Little Flower, St. Therese, in that she lived her life not in public, but in the environment of a monastery, showing her great love of Our Lord in doing all things, especially little endeavors, with utmost love.
Catharine wrote a book regarding seven spiritual weapons which she suggested we use when the devil tempts us: She said, “Jesus Christ gave up his life that we might live. Therefore, whoever wishes to carry the cross for his sake must take up the proper weapons for the contest, especially those mentioned here. First, diligence; second, distrust of self; third, confidence in God; fourth, remembrance of the Passion; fifth, mindfulness of one’s own death; sixth, remembrance of God’s glory; and seventh, the injunctions of Sacred Scripture following the example of Jesus Christ in the desert.”
St. Catharine was canonized in 1712. We should ask St. Catharine for her assistance in being spiritual warriors in our lives. God knows it is certainly relevant now, especially to the writers in the Fellowship and its wonderful leader, Dr. Eowyn. May all of us perform charity in our little ways, and by all means, trusting in Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I hope that everyone has a beautiful day!
Respectfully, your servant,
Joan
Sources: Catholic Encyclopedia; Franciscan Media
