Catherine of Siena, << see EHN uh, >> Saint (1347-1380), was a Christian reformer and mystic. A mystic is an individual who has intense spiritual experiences, such as visions. Catherine spent much of her life caring for people who were sick, poor, or spiritually needy. Her book Dialogue stresses the love of neighbors as an expression of the love of God. She also expressed her piety and religious ideals in her letters, 400 of which survive.
Catherine devoted a great deal of her energy to religious reform. She campaigned for the return of Pope Gregory XI from Avignon, France, to the papacy’s traditional home in Rome. She also worked to end the war the papacy waged against Florence and other Italian city-states, and she urged the start of a Crusade to the Holy Land. Catherine spent her last days trying to end the schism (division) within the church caused by the election of two rival popes. She died on April 29, 1380.
Catherine was born on March 25, 1347, in Siena, Italy. At the age of about 6, she reportedly received a vision of Jesus Christ. She joined the Third Order of St. Dominic when she was about 16. Her feast day is April 29.
