But 14 days after her burial her sisters decided to exhume her body, as a sweet scent emanated from her tomb. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). To the right of the throne she saw an Archangel, probably St. Gabriel, who, while playing a stringed instrument, sang: Et gloria ejus in te videbitur and his glory will be seen upon you (Is 60:2). WebIn St. Catherine of Bologna, Divine Providence deposited admirable gifts, among which stand out her docility in allowing herself to be loved by God. She was an important defender of the papacy and is a patron saint of Europe and of Italy. Annunciation; Miraculous Draught of Fish; Transfiguration; Raising of Lazarus; Resurrection; Amanda Weaver. After five years, this group disbanded, but Catherine and some of her companions formed a new group, ruled by the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. She was exhumed 18 days later after visitors noticed a sweet smell coming from her grave and some experienced miracles. She was canonized by Pope Clement XI in the year 1712. Saint Catherine of Bologna had good education in drawing, writing, reading and language. Learn about this Italian saint, whose feast is March 9. When she told the nuns what she had seen, she imitated the song of the Archangel as best she could, leaving her listeners speechless with admiration. We celebrate St. Catherines feast day on March 9. We are now in a position to meditate on a veritable monument of theology which, after the Treatise on the Seven Spiritual Weapons, is made up of distinct and autonomous parts: The Twelve Gardens, a mystical work of her youth, Rosarium, a Latin poem on the life of Jesus, and The Sermons, copies of Catherine's words to her religious sisters." Past the door lie the incredibly well-preserved remains of the Patroness of the Arts. Especially for young children - [3] During this time, she received some education in reading, writing, music, playing the viola, and had access to illuminated manuscripts in the d'Este Court library.[4]. Her body was found to be flexible and uncorrupted. Saint John Cassian's feast day is February 29. She also served as a caretaker for the animals. Catherine continued to paint and to write beautiful spiritual guides and poetry. After a time she was entrusted with the duties of mistress of novices. . Her most remarkable vision was on Christmas Eve, when she claimed that Mary appeared to her with baby Jesus, and that Mary even let Catherine hold him. Catherine returned home and joined a group of young women who performed good works in Jesus name and spent time in prayer together every day. 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. Catherine especially enjoyed the art lessons she and Margaret were given. 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. Her most famous work is probably the, Seven Spiritual Weapons Necessary for Spiritual Warfare. She was not in a position to return to the bakery until five hours later, and certainly believed that everything had been burned by that time. Catherine was born in 1413 in Bologna, Italy. WebCatherine returned home and joined a group of young women who performed good works in Jesus name and spent time in prayer together every day. Catherine praised God through her art. WebBy continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our Privacy Notice. .css-pelz90{font-weight:400;}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. | If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. Her body was found to be flexible and uncorrupted. WebBy continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our Privacy Notice. 800-621-1008 Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The birth of Saint Catherine of Bologna was foretold to her devout father by the Blessed Virgin, with the announcement that the child would be a brilliant light throughout the world. Pope Benedict described this humble saint as, "From the distance of so many centuries she is still very modern and speaks to our lives. Return to Franciscan Calendar Page Return to Incorruptible Saints Page Return to Saints Page Return to Roman Catholic Saints Homepage There were no trees, herbs or even flowers there, and miraculously the aroma intensified as the days went by. St. Catherine immediately went to the injured religious and with utmost serenity joined the amputated member to her body, tracing the sign of the Cross over it. WebCatherine lived at Corpus Domini, Ferrara most of her life from 1431 to 1456, serving as Mistress of Novices. Catherine is pointing her finger upward as she explains that there is only one God. Her body was found to be astonishingly untouched by death, and deemed incorrupt.. Her father was an important government official who worked for the Marquis of Ferrara, a member of the royal family. Spiritual visions consoled and disturbed her at various times in her life, which we know from her work, The Seven Spiritual Weapons. The superior of the time did not think twice and ordered St. Catherine to assume a sitting position, a command which the corpse obeyed without hesitation. At midnight, Our Lady appeared to her, holding the Child Jesus close to her breast. WebCatherine returned home and joined a group of young women who performed good works in Jesus name and spent time in prayer together every day. Because of her artistic talent, she was declared patron saint of the arts. From then on the temptation was overcome, and she was even able to devote hours to prayer during the night. St. Catherine of Bologna His glory will be seen upon you, Blessed Clemens August von Galen The Lion of Mnster, St. Walburga A Soul Ever Faithful to the Divine Will, St. Alberic Leader of a Monastic Rebellion, Blessed Maria Victoria Fornari Strata Everything passes and all is naught, except God, St. Columban To this day the earth shines from his radiance. Her most remarkable vision was on Christmas Eve, when she claimed that Mary appeared to her with baby Jesus, and that Mary even let Catherine hold him. They found it in perfect condition. [2] The treatise was circulated in manuscript form through a network of Poor Clare convents. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 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. In this state, almost in agony, the abbess fell into an ecstasy and had a vision: she found herself in an wonderful garden, adorned with many beautiful flowers. Sister Illuminata Bembo, a companion of the Saint, wrote a picturesque episode that occurred while she fulfilled the latter function. In 1456 she founded in Bologna a convent of Poor Clares, serving as abbess until her death. WebCatherine was to be canonized by Pope Clement XI on 22 May 1712. He became the favored artist of the Pope and had the honor of receiving many important commissions. She was conducted to the place of her martyrdom followed by several women who wept at her fate. During this time she suffered a spiritual crisis, but she had a vision of the Real Presence in the Eucharist that brought her consolation. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. At just 17 years old, Catherine joined a semi-religious lay community and later went on to join other women in founding a monastery of the Order of Poor Clares. by A.G. McDougall, The Spiritual Armour, 1926). Catherine became a tertiary (member of a monastic third order who takes simple vows and may remain outside a convent or monastery) of the Dominican order (1363), joining the Sisters of Penitence of St. Dominic in Siena. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. And, her painting of St. Ursula remains on display in a Venice gallery. Annunciation; Miraculous Draught of Fish; Transfiguration; Raising of Lazarus; Resurrection; Amanda Weaver. As companion to Margaret d'Este she was educated at the ducal court until Margaret's marriage. Catherine continued in her artistic pursuits, playing the viola, painting religious pictures (including one of St. Ursula that hangs today in a gallery in Venice), copying out and illuminating her breviary (now on display at Oxford), and writing spiritual guides and poetry. Catherine, then 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of St. Clare. It became clear to her that the return of Pope Gregory XI to Rome from Avignonan idea that she did not initiate and had not strongly encouragedwas the only way to bring peace to Italy. But you will no longer be able to prevent me when from all parts of the world the faithful will come to visit you and, with profound veneration, will kneel to kiss your feet!. Author Now, who is this abbess, so benevolent that even today she kindly welcomes all who come to see her? 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. 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. Before her stood a throne as bright as the sun, upon which sat Jesus, flanked by the deacons St. Vincent and St. Lawrence, and surrounded by Angels. He then awoke and began to pray again, and then approached the Saint and offered her his hands, which she devoutly kissed. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. She rapidly gained a wide reputation for her holiness and her severe asceticism. In the very first pages of this book, entitled The Seven Spiritual Weapons, she describes the life of a Christian as follows: At the beginning and at the end of this battle, one must pass through a stormy sea, that is, through many distressing temptations and fierce battles.1 And to help us triumph in this struggle, she adds: I want to give you at the very outset some weapons that will enable you to fight effectively against the cunning of our enemies. It's FREE! She rapidly gained a wide reputation for her holiness and her severe asceticism. WebClare is known as a patron of artists, probably because she worked as a manuscript illustrator. She had been buried without a coffin, as were all those who died in her order, but her body was exhumed eighteen days later when a heavenly perfume was noticed to come form the area. She rapidly gained a wide reputation for her holiness and her severe asceticism. Her feast day is 9 March. Having always lived what she had taught, she was able to carry out whatever was required of her, even with her soul separated from her body. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, Catholic information that their work matters. She was a model of piety and reported experiencing miracles and several visions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, Thomas Becket, and Joseph, as well as future events, such as the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Her skin has since been blackened due to exposure from oil lamps and soot. Catherine was canonized in 1712, and her feast day is March 9. Find Your Educational Consultant Review Our Catalogs Search the SiteSEARCH Faith Formation Programs Christ Our LifeChrist Our Life Finding GodFinding God Sacramental PreparationSacramental Preparation Growing With GodGrowing with God In the year 1475, it was decided that her remains would be placed in a side chapel of the church belonging to the monastery. Excerpted from Christ Our Life, by Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio. *from: The Franciscan Book of Saints, ed. Fortunati, Vera, Jordano Pomeroy & Claudio Strinati. [11] These were discovered around 2000 and described by Cardinal Giacomo Biffi: as "now revealed in their surprising beauty. He inscribed her name in the Martyrology of Saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Catherine became a tertiary (member of a monastic third order who takes simple vows and may remain outside a convent or monastery) of the Dominican order (1363), joining the Sisters of Penitence of St. Dominic in Siena. Severiano de Oliveira;Silvia Gabriela Panez;Marcos Aurelio Chacaliaza, P. O. http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j103sdCatherineAlexandria11-25.htm little known incorrupt saint As St. Catherines illness continued to worsen, she received the last Sacraments. To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. Catherine of Bologna was an Italian nun and artist born as Catherine de' Vigri on September 8, 1413, in Bologna, Italy. The patron saint of artists and against temptations, Catherine de' Vigri was venerated for nearly three centuries in her native Bologna before being formally canonized in 1712 by Pope Clement XI. 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. And walking hand in hand with the Lord, she walked on the right path and found the way of light.. She went as an unofficial mediator to Avignon with her confessor and biographer Raymond of Capua. Catherine of Bologna was an Italian nun and artist born as Catherine de' Vigri on September 8, 1413, in Bologna, Italy. At that time there lived in the monastery a twelve-year-old girl called Rose Magdalene. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. 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. A Rule is a specific expression of the Christian life which calls the men or women of a particular religious order to a daily pattern of prayer, work and charity. The Sette Armi Spirituali became an important part of the campaign for her canonization. She, like us, suffered temptations, she suffered the temptations of disbelief, of sensuality, of a difficult spiritual struggle. Catherine, then 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of St. Clare. She was forty-nine years of age, thirty-two of which were spent in consecrated life. What Do All Saints Day and Halloween Have in Common? Crossing of the Red Sea; Moses Changing Aarons Rod into a Snake; Moses Saved from the River; Moses Catherine became a tertiary (member of a monastic third order who takes simple vows and may remain outside a convent or monastery) of the Dominican order (1363), joining the Sisters of Penitence of St. Dominic in Siena. She explained that although it took precious time, the purpose of her religious art was "to increase devotion for herself and others".[18]. [1] She was raised at Niccolo III's court as a lady-in-waiting to his wife Parisina Malatesta (d. 1425) and became lifelong friends with his natural daughter Margherita d'Este (d. Public Domain via Wikimedia. Catherine willingly served in humble roles at the convent, including laundress, baker, and animal caretaker. Her incorrupt body is preserved in the city of Bologna, in the chapel of the monastery of Corpus Domini. WebThe grievous and persistent temptations which in the early days of her religious life had tried her patience, humility, and faith, especially the latter virtue, gave place in later years to the most abundant spiritual consolation, and enjoyment of the heights of contemplation. There, she served as an abbess until her death at age 49 in 1463, when she reportedly passed away while playing the viola. Her incorrupt body rests in Bologna. WebCatherine began to have visions of Christ and Satan, and wrote her experiences down. She was known for her holiness, asceticism, and spiritual visions and was said to have received stigmata. WebOf noble birth, Catherine was educated at the Este court at Ferrara and entered the order in 1432. Contemplating the life of this holy abbess invites us, before all else, to an attitude of deep gratitude for the divine affection that descends upon each one of us. Box 724Nobleton, ON L0G 1N0Phone: 1-800-674-3410, P.O. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); http://www.robertsimon.com/works_html/fontana.html, http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j103sdCatherineAlexandria11-25.htm, http://www.edocere.org/articles/st_catharine_alexandria.htm, http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/prospero-fontana/, http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/fontana_prospero.html, http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Catherine%20of%20Alexandria.html. Have visions of Christ and Satan, and her severe asceticism her skin has since been blackened due to from. 14, joined a group of Franciscan tertiaries in Ferrara who later adopted the Rule of Clare. Her feast day is March 9 * from: the Franciscan Book of Saints, ed the temptations disbelief. 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