Today the Church celebrates the life, example, writings and influence of St. Catherine of Sienna who died on this day in 1380.  This virgin mystic doctor of the Church was so on fire with love of God and neighbor she continues to inspire many seekers 636 years after her death.

In her brief life of 33 years, she established peace and concord between cities, fought for the rights and freedom of the Roman Pontiff, and promoted renewal of religious life.

I hope you find some of the quotes from her writings as inspirational as I have over the years:

It is only through shadows that one comes to know the light. — St. Catherine of Sienna, Prayer 24

or

Holy Spirit, come unto my heart, and in your power draw it to you. — St. Catherine of Sienna, Prayer 6

or

The soul, as soon as she comes to know me, reaches out to love her neighbors. — St. Catherine of Sienna, Dialogue 89

and

The soul cannot live without love.  She always wants to love something because love is the stuff she is made of, and through love I created her. — St. Catherine of Sienna, Dialogue 51.

and

You are the garment which covers our nakedness, and in our hunger you are a satisfying food, for you are sweetness and in you there is no taste of bitterness, O triune God! — St. Catherine of Sienna

I hope these quotes from St. Catherine, inspire and set your heart on fire with the love of God and may you in turn set the hearts of others on fire with that same love.

The closing prayer from today’s liturgy:

Father, in meditating on the sufferings of your Son and in serving your Church, St. Catherine was filled with the fervor of your love.  By her prayers, may we share in the mystery of Christ’s death and rejoice in the revelation of his glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

St. Catherine of Sienna — pray for us.

Originally published April 29th, 2016