From the Friars: A Woman Who Loved the Church
If you think the COVID Pandemic was bad, imagine the devastation of the Black Death in the 14th century where about half of the entire population of Europe died within six years or so. If you think the division in the church is bad these days, remember the Great Western Schism from 1378 through 1417 during which two or even three different men claimed to be the true Pope. Even canonized saints were confused as to who was the real Pope.
Catherine Benincasa was born in Sienna shortly before the Black Death, or Bubonic Plague, broke out in 1347. She was a spiritual prodigy from the beginning and vowed her virginity to God at only seven years old. After years of solitude, St. Catherine gave herself to serving the poor and plague victims. She died at the young age of 33, in the midst of the tragic schism.
The beautiful stained-glass window in the sanctuary of Holy Rosary Shrine shows The Blessed Mother giving the Rosary to St. Dominic and to St. Catherine of Sienna. Traditionally it is believed that Our Lady gave the Rosary to St. Dominic in the thirteenth century. But Catherine is included in this popular image for her great devotion to Mary and thus represents the entire Church receiving this great gift.
St Catherine of Siena, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo – Public Domain, Link
During these days as we pray for the soul of Pope Francis and for a holy new Pope, we can also learn much from the burning zeal for the good of Christ’s Mystical Body from this great Lay Dominican and Doctor of the Church. St. Catherine’s Feast Day providentially falls this week. She worked, prayed and sacrificed tirelessly for the reform of the Church and for making peace between those at odds with each other. Finally, she offered her life for the healing of Holy Mother Church. Part of her prayer of offering follows:
“To you, Eternal Father, I offer once again my life, poor as I am, for your dear bride. As often as it pleases your goodness, drag me out of this body and send me back again, each time with greater suffering than before, if only I may see the reform of this dear bride, holy Church.”
Amen
–Fr. Peter