The 25th child of a wool dyer in northern Italy, St. Catherine started having mystical experiences when she was only 6, seeing guardian angels as clearly as the people they protected. She became a Dominican tertiary when she was 16, and continued to have visions of Christ, Mary, and the saints. St. Catherine was one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day, although she never had any formal education. She persuaded the Pope to go back to Rome from Avignon, in 1377, and when she died she was endeavoring to heal the Great Western Schism. In 1375, Our Lord give her the Stigmata, which was visible only after her death. Her spiritual director was Blessed Raymond of Capua. St. Catherine’s letters, and a treatise called “a dialogue” are considered among the most brilliant writings in the history of the Catholic Church. She died when she was only 33, and her body was found incorrupt in 1430. Her feast day is celebrated on April 29th.
At Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic School, faith is an integral part of the learning experience. Immaculate Conception Church has had an active and close connection with SCS and we are very grateful to Father Antony for his support. At Saint Catherine of Siena, the staff, parents, and Parish Church work collaboratively to guide our students in preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation.
Novena Prayer in Honour of St. Catherine of Siena
Heavenly Father, your glory is in your saints.
We praise your glory in the life of the admirable St. Catherine of Siena,
virgin and doctor of the Church.
Her whole life was a noble sacrifice inspired by an ardent love of
Jesus, your unblemished Lamb.
In troubled times she strenuously upheld the rights of His beloved spouse,
The Church.
Father, honour her merits and hear her prayers for each of us,
and for our whole parish family dedicated to her.
Help us to pass unscathed through the corruption of this world,
and to remain unshakably faithful to the church in word, deed, and example.
Help us always to see in the Vicar of Christ an anchor in the storms of life,
and a beacon of light to the harbour of your Love, in this dark night
of your times and men’s souls.
We ask this through Jesus, your Son, in the bond of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.