Saint Catherine of Bologna spent most of her life as a cloistered nun in the convent of the Poor Clares of Bologna, in northern Italy. The amazing life story of the During that first period in Ferrara, she received many mystical graces, but she also had to endure many spiritual trials. When Saint Catherine of Bologna was 17 years old, she obtained the consent of her mother--her father having already died--to join a pious company of young women in Ferrara who led a religious life but had not yet adopted a definite rule. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). She created beautiful illuminated manuscripts by painting small illustrations on the pages of prayer books and Bibles, which she also lettered and copied by hand. by Suzanne Noffke, 1980). From the very beginning, Saint Catherine's Miracles and fame have brought people from all parts of the world, not only the simple faith-filled believers who fill and enrich our beautiful Church, but also future Saints, Kings and Queens and scholars. As a sister, Catherine did her part for the community by performing more mundane tasks: laundry, baking and other housework. and a guide to building a strong Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Read her story here. Saint Catherine of Bologna, original name Caterina Vigri, (born Sept. 8, 1413, Bologna, Papal States [Italy]died March 9, 1463, Bologna; canonized 1712; feast day May 9), Italian mystic and writer whose spiritual writings were popular in Italy until the end of the 18th century. She accepted the offer and, together with 12 nuns from her home monastery of Ferrara, she helped found the Corpus Domini monastery in Bologna. [16] Recently one scholar has tried to question certain attributions. And, her painting of St. Ursula remains on display in a Venice gallery. But her humility did not stop her spiritual and creative genius. However, a problem arose: the place where the body was to be laid proved too small for the purpose. With this, she returned to her birthplace, where she would always be remembered. But even after her death her sisters were to be made joyful through her. WebIn St. Catherine of Bologna, Divine Providence deposited admirable gifts, among which stand out her docility in allowing herself to be loved by God. The exciting life story of This painting is not showing the part of the story that is said to be the miracle, when she survived death by the wheel, but it is still a powerful painting. inspirational to young men As St. Catherines illness continued to worsen, she received the last Sacraments. WebSaint Catherine of Bologna was charged with the duties of the bakery; she cheerfully undertook this laborious service, and even when the heat began to affect her eyes, she remained at her post as long as the abbess required it. WebFrom Visionaries, Mystics and Stigmatists Perhaps, one of the greatest Miracles is the in-corrupt body of our Saint, seated on a regal throne in a Chapel to the left of the main altar in the Church of Corpus Domini in Bologna. Compose a prayer in honor of artists, asking for the intercession of St. Catherine. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. They found it in perfect condition. From Rome she sent out letters and exhortations to gain support for Urban; as one of her last efforts, she tried to win back Queen Joan I of Naples to obedience to Urban, who had excommunicated the queen for supporting the antipope Clement VII. Among the first to come was Queen Isabel of Naples, Italy, who arriving in her regal finery, venerated our Saint and then left her ring as a token of her affection. *from: The Franciscan Book of Saints, ed. People with incurable diseases began to experience a complete recovery of their health at the site, and three dead children came back to life. WebSt. ", Although she was sickly from the time that she was 22, she never complained. Thus it can still be seen in Bologna robed in a costly garment presented by St Charles Borromeo and seated upright on a throne, under a crystal shrine. She rapidly gained a wide reputation for her holiness and her severe asceticism. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Then she became Superioress of a new school in Bologna. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. known as El Cid! Then, looking compassionately at the happy nun, the holy abbess said: Little daughter, I give you this foot. [6] Catherine lived at Corpus Domini, Ferrara most of her life from 1431 to 1456, serving as Mistress of Novices. She so calmly spoke these words right before her death, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I thank Thee for having firmly set my feet on the rock of the Faith and directed my steps on the pathway of salvation. Canonized: May 22, 1712. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. Annunciation; Miraculous Draught of Fish; Transfiguration; Raising of Lazarus; Resurrection; Amanda Weaver. Saint Katharine Drexel was a contemplative in action whose work serving the poor inspires us today. Take care of it as if it were mine and do it no further harm.5. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Learn about this Italian saint, whose feast is March 9. Catherine, then 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of St. Clare. At his request she went to Florence (1378) and was there during the Ciompi Revolt in June. Catherine became known as a miracle worker after her death in 1463. On March 9, at about two oclock in the afternoon, she asked that a priest be called to hear her Confession and give her Viaticum and Extreme Unction. Author and Publisher - Catholic Online WebCatherine was to be canonized by Pope Clement XI on 22 May 1712. The women were divided over whether instead to adhere to the Franciscan rule, which eventually happened. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Dissension in the community led Catherine and others to join the Poor Clares, a contemplative order founded by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. She was forty-nine years of age, thirty-two of which were spent in consecrated life. As reported by Loyola Press, Pope Benedict was particularly fond of this quiet saint: To visit the remains of St. Catherine of Bologna, enter the church of Corpus Domini (Via Tagliapietre, 21) and look for a small wooden door on the left. Previously, she had been in a Chapel inside the Monastery. She did this with all the reverence of a daughter, and when the service was finished, she held and kissed them with deep veneration. [1]Every mortal sin is a sin against God. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Surrounding them are the philosophers who are amazed at what Catherine is sharing as can be seen by the look of awe on their faces. It was eventually relocated to a chapel where it remains on display, dressed in her religious habit, seated upright behind glass. In one instance, she had the baby Jesus placed in her arms by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Public Domain via Wikimedia. In 1455 the leaders of the recently established Franciscan order joined forces with the governor of Bologna to ask Catherine to establish a Franciscan convent in the city. 123 Articles, By Bob Lord| WebBologna, Italy, Sept. 8, 1413; d. there, March 9, 1463. Innumerable miracles reward the faithful for their devotion to her. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. One day, just as she had placed the loaves in the oven, the bell called her to the choir for some very special religious service; she made the Sign of the Cross over the loaves and said, "I commend you to our Lord." Soon, the women decided to join an order of nuns called the Poor Clares. , now held at Venices Galleria dellAccademia, particular stands out, as well as her own illuminated manuscript which was used by Pope Pius IX and is now preserved in Oxford, England. http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j103sdCatherineAlexandria11-25.htm The silk veil which covered the saint was bathed in sweat, which gave off the sweet odor. It was later translated in French and Italian, thus helping to spread late-medieval vernacular mysticism in the early modern period. But 14 days after her burial her sisters decided to exhume her body, as a sweet scent emanated from her tomb. Thank you. Although she probably taught similar ideas, she kept the written version hidden until she neared death and then handed it to her confessor with instructions to send a copy to the Poor Clares at Ferrara. In 1455 the leaders of the recently established Franciscan order joined forces with the governor of Bologna to ask Catherine to establish a Franciscan convent in the city. She also taught them to use the golden mean that leads to solid virtue. Updates? There, she served as an abbess until her death at age 49 in 1463, when she reportedly passed away while playing the viola. With a gesture of His hand, the Redeemer bade the virgin come forward and explained to her the deepest meaning of these words, referring to herself. .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}V. M. Traverso - @media screen and (max-width: 767px){.css-1xovt06 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-1xovt06 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 05/10/19. Continue reading about St. Catherine of Bologna, St. Catherine Of Bologna Sterling Silver Oval Pendant. She was buried in Bologna but soon after her burial, miracles began happening near her gravesite. So, it was decided that she should be exhumed. She was the daughter of John de Vigri and Benvenuta Mammolini. It was later translated in French and Italian, thus helping to spread late-medieval vernacular mysticism in the early modern period. In 1456 she founded in Bologna a convent of Poor Clares, serving as abbess until her death. The record of her ecstatic experiences in The Dialogue illustrates her doctrine of the inner cell of the knowledge of God and of self into which she withdrew. After being examined by doctors, the body remained exposed for the devotion of the faithful for six days, and was then placed in a crypt under the altar. Saint Catherine was beatified in 1524 by Pope Clement VII and canonized on May 22, 1712 by Pope Clement XI. He had them all put to death. She had entered the community two years before, and on account of her innocence, she recognized and admired the virtues of the abbess. 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